We explain what Father’s Day is, its origin and when it is celebrated in different countries. Also, gift ideas for Father’s Day.
What is Father’s Day?
Father’s Day is an international celebration dedicated to paying tribute to fathers, in a similar way to how it is done with mothers on “Mother’s Day.”
This day is a family celebration, with religious roots, but in recent times it has become a date of interest above all commercial, given the important increase in consumption that it brings with it in almost all countries. You must read about Children’s Day once.
This annual celebration is part of the calendar of a large number of countries, although not necessarily on the same day. In general, it is not a holiday, but rather a commemoration of the vital role that fathers play in the construction of societies, since these have the family as their foundation. That is why this day calls on families to gather and entertain fathers with food, a party, gifts or simply company.
Origin of the celebration
Originally, the day dedicated to fathers in the Catholic Christian calendar was the day of the birth of Saint Joseph, father of Jesus of Nazareth, so March 19 was consecrated to fathers. In fact, many countries still celebrate it in this way.
Other countries, however, adopted the convention originated at the beginning of the 20th century in the United States, through which fathers were honored on a different date, as proposed by local actors in the state of Washington that had an echo in religious authorities and, later, in the government of Calvin Coolidge. However, it was Richard Nixon’s administration that officially designated the day in 1972, establishing that Father’s Day should be celebrated every third Sunday in June. Maybe you should definitely read about Women’s Day once.
Father’s Day in different countries
The exact date of Father’s Day varies according to the calendar of each country. The following is a list of when Father’s Day is celebrated in different countries:
Father’s Day in Mexico
As in the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
Father’s Day in Brazil
It is celebrated on the second Sunday in August, the day of Saint Joachim, father of the Virgin Mary and grandfather of Jesus of Nazareth.
Father’s Day in Spain
Along with Italy and other countries with Catholic culture, in Spain Father’s Day is celebrated every March 19, the day of Saint Joseph.
Father’s Day in Argentina
Originally, Father’s Day was celebrated in this country every August 25, in honor of José de San Martín, considered the Father of the Nation. However, from 1960 onwards the American day was adopted and since then it has been celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
Father’s Day in Uruguay
It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in June, and is usually celebrated with fireworks and yellow clothing.
Father’s Day in Australia
It is celebrated on the first Sunday in September, as in Australia and New Zealand.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
It’s customary to treat our fathers and grandparents every Father’s Day, and one way to do so is through special gifts and events. Many times a good gift isn’t something bought and wrapped in wrapping paper, but rather an experience or a gesture that best expresses the love and respect we profess to our parents.
The following is a list of ideas to celebrate Father’s Day no matter when it falls in each country.
Ideas to celebrate Father’s Day
- Invite dad to visit a restaurant he’s always wanted, or take him to spend the day at that park he’s always wanted to visit, or to a game of his favorite team.
- Give him something he needs: a wallet, a cell phone, a pair of shoes, or a music player.
- Invite him on a special family trip.
- Buy him a book by his favorite writer, or on a topic he’s always been passionate about, or an e-book reader so he can read those titles and more.
- Prepare a special dinner for him, with his favorite ingredients.
