Father’s Day in March

Do you think that Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June around the world? Well, you’re wrong. In many countries like Spain, it is celebrated on March 19.

Why is Father’s Day celebrated on March 19 in some countries? This date is related to a Catholic tradition in Europe. March 19 commemorates the day of Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary and father of Jesus.

But Spain is not the only country that celebrates Father’s Day on March 19. Countries like Portugal, Italy, Bolivia, Uruguay and Honduras also pay tribute to parents on this date. This year March 19 falls on Tuesday, if in Ireland we celebrated Father’s Day on such a day, many lucky people would have enjoyed four days off. A remarkable holiday so close to Easter.

But it is not like that, Ireland and other countries celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, like the United States, Japan, Venezuela, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Turkey and France.

Different dates

On the other hand, there are other places in the world that have chosen other times in the calendar to pay tribute to parents: for example, in Russia it is celebrated on February 23 to mark the Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland, while in Thailand the celebration is every December 5, coinciding with the birth of the sovereign Rama XI, considered the father of the entire nation, and in Oceania the date chosen is the first Sunday of September.

However, for some, the day of the father or mother is an obsolete celebration, we would like to know what do you think?

One can think of many children out there that will be today doing crafts for mothers or fathers who do not exist. Or are missing. One can also think of family diversity: single mothers, same-sex couples, polyamorous homes, or those that are parenting alone. One can think of parents or mothers who are no longer around. For these situations, some schools have taken the initiative to celebrate Family Day instead. Does this sound more inclusive?

We would love to hear from you. Leave us comments below.

Also, if you would like to know more about Father’s Day in Ireland, click here.