In Mexico, Father’s Day (Día del Padre) is observed on the third Sunday of June, just like the neighbor to the north, the U.S. Other countries don’t move the date around and celebrate it on June 17th, no matter which day of the week it falls. Most countries in Central and South America follow the U.S.’s lead with the date, but there are some notable exceptions.
La República Dominicana coordinates Father’s Day with El Dia de San Joaquín, observed on the 26th of July. Brazil’s Father’s Day is later, observed on the second Sunday in August, but the choice of date is again related to St. Joachim. August 16th is the feast day for this venerable saint. According to Catholic tradition, Joaquín (or Joachim) was Mary’s father and, therefore, the grandfather of Jesús. He’s since been awarded patron saint status overseeing both fathers and grandfathers on their special day.
Bolivia and Honduras go with el día de San José on March 19, as does Spain. José, although not the biological father of el Niño Jesús according to biblical records, nonetheless did the right thing by María and raised her son as his own. Thus, choosing this day is a nod to those who man up and raise children they may not be related to.
Nicaragua celebrates Día del Padre on July 23rd with the auspicious title Día del Padre Nicaragüense. Uruguay celebrates a bit earlier in the month. There, Día del Padre is observed on the second Sunday in July, the beginning of winter break.
As I’ve mentioned before, in Mexico, Día del Padre is not a huge event like Mother’s Day. However, typically there is a school event that dads are invited to since school is still in session. This event tends to be a bit more hands-on than the presentations and bailes tradicionales (traditional dances) mom gets to enjoy. There are often races and impromptu fútbol (soccer) games.
And there we have it! Don’t forget to send a shout-out to your dad wherever he might be! SignedCards will send a handwritten sentiment to Dad for you! Check out the hundreds of card options at SignedCards.com.
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