Celebrating Fathers Day around the world
Almost every country has a Fathers Day, but exactly how its celebrated varies depending on where you live. In many countries, traditions include a family…
Almost every country has a Fathers Day, but exactly how its celebrated varies depending on where you live. (Shutterstock)
Almost every country has a Fathers Day, but exactly how its celebrated varies depending on where you live.
In many countries, traditions include a family meal, gifts and cards. Some areas of the world put a special emphasis on flowers for dad, while others designate a particular kind of food thats typically served. Religion also plays a role in Fathers Day celebrations for certain countries.
SEE ALSO: 3 ways to make the average dad healthier for Fathers Day
Curious about how other people tell dad hes awesome? Check out these international traditions.
Spain
On the other side of the Atlantic, El Día del Padre is celebrated earlier than in the U.S.: because the holiday is connected to St. Josephs day, families honor dad on March 19th. Bolivia and Honduras also celebrate Fathers Day in March for the same reason.
The idea is that Joseph, husband of Mary, is the role model for a father. Given that, families typically share a meal and may attend a church service. As in the U.S., kids often make cards or buy small gifts to give to dad.
Mexico
Carrera Día del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan (Father’s Day 21K race) is a a tradition in Mexico. (http://www.corredoresdelbosquedetlalpan.com.mx)
Like the U.S., Mexico celebrates Fathers Day on the third Sunday of June, and many of the gifts and traditions are similar: families often put time aside, and children make cards for dad. Mexican children also honor father figures like grandfathers, uncles, big brothers or other male role models.
However, one tradition that sets the holiday apart is the 21 kilometer race held in Mexico City. The Carrera Día del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan gives fathers and children a way of spending time together outdoors along with thousands of others taking part in the annual festivities.
Germany
Germany, well-known for the Oktoberfest beer festival, has a Fathers Day tradition thats surprisingly similar.
The holiday, generally known in the country as mens day, is often celebrated by way of men getting together with a wagon full of beer and food. Theyll pull that through the streets, drinking and celebrating in lieu of work or responsibilities. In some cities, the wagon is replaced by organized beer gardens or gatherings. Mens day is celebrated not on a Sunday but on a Thursday about 40 days after Easter.
SEE ALSO: 9 Ways that Juanes shows the meaning of fatherhood
Thailand
Taking a different tack on celebrating Fathers Day, the Thai people coordinate this holiday with Kings Day: on December 5th, people honor both the Kings birthday as well as fathers across the country.
Most people wear yellow, which in the Buddhist tradition is associated with both Monday and royalty. Children also typically present their fathers with a Canna lily, the unofficial flower for the holiday.
South Africa
While Fathers Day isnt as much of a tradition in South Africaor much of the African continentas it is in Europe and the Americas, many families do honor dad or spend time together.
Rather than heaping gifts on fathers, its common for South African families to have a picnic or go fishing. The holidays focus is on how fathers contribute to society.
Whether youre home or abroad for Fathers Day, dont be afraid to start your own traditions: just make sure dad knows how special he is!
SEE ALSO: Fathers Day: great gifts for under $50
