How and when is Father's Day celebrated in Mexico?

In Mexico , Father's Day is a special date that is celebrated every third Sunday of June. It is a day dedicated to honoring and recognizing the importance of fathers in the lives of their children and in society in general. Learn about the history, traditions and ways in which Father's Day is celebrated in Mexico, highlighting the importance of this celebration.

Origin and history of Father's Day in Mexico

The celebration of Father's Day in Mexico has its roots in the United States. In the early 20th century, Sonora Smart Dodd , the daughter of an American Civil War veteran, proposed establishing a special day to honor parents. Dodd believed that fathers deserved the same recognition that mothers were given on Mother's Day.

The idea of celebrating this day spread to different countries, including Mexico. In 1950, the journalist and broadcaster Raúl Flores Canelo promoted the idea of establishing Father's Day in Mexico. His initiative was supported by the National Association of Journalists and the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce.

Finally, on June 19, 1955, the first Father's Day was officially celebrated in Mexico. Since then, this date has become a tradition rooted in Mexican culture, dedicated to honoring and thanking parents for their love, dedication, and sacrifices.

Celebrations and traditions

Father's Day in Mexico is celebrated in various ways, combining family traditions with cultural elements. These are some of the most common ways to celebrate this date:

Family Gatherings: This is an occasion for families to come together and spend time together. Lunches, dinners or family outings are organized to celebrate and enjoy the day in the company of the parents.

Gifts: As in other parts of the world, in Mexico it is common to give gifts to parents on their day. Children usually give their parents something special, such as clothes, accessories, tools, books, among others. Gifts are usually related to the tastes and interests of the parents.

Cards and messages: Many children express their love and gratitude to their parents through greeting cards or special messages. These cards often contain words of appreciation and recognition for the important role fathers play in their lives.

Outdoor activities: In some cases, families take advantage of Father's Day to do outdoor activities. Bike rides, excursions, sports games or simply spending time in parks or gardens are popular options to enjoy nature and strengthen family ties.

Special meals: Many families celebrate Father's Day by preparing special meals. Some choose to cook at home, while others choose to take their parents to restaurants to enjoy delicious food and share quality moments together.

Here are some examples of foods that are popular during this celebration:

• Barbacoa: Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of beef, pork, or lamb slowly cooked over low heat in an earthen oven. It is a tasty and tender dish that is generally served with corn tortillas, salsa, and garnishes such as onion, cilantro, and lemon.
• Roast meat: Roast meats are also common in Father's Day celebrations. Cuts of beef are usually prepared, such as rib-eye, sirloin or flank steak, and cooked on the grill or over charcoal. These meats are seasoned with different spices and served with garnishes such as baked potatoes, salads, and sauces.
• Seafood: In some coastal regions of Mexico, seafood is a popular choice to celebrate Father's Day. Dishes such as ceviches, shrimp with garlic sauce, Galician octopus and Veracruz-style fish are some of the delicious options that can be enjoyed.
• Mole: Mole is one of the most representative dishes of Mexican cuisine. It is a thick and flavorful sauce that is made with a combination of chilies, spices, seeds and chocolate. It is served over chicken or turkey, and is accompanied with rice and tortillas.
• Tamales: Tamales are a traditional treat in Mexico and are also a popular choice for Father's Day. These are made with corn dough filled with different ingredients, such as pork, chicken, cheese, slices of chile, or beans. They are wrapped in corn or banana leaves and steamed.
• Pozole: Pozole is a typical Mexican dish that consists of a large and tasty corn broth, generally prepared with pork, chicken or vegetarian meat. It is served with various seasonings and garnishes, such as lettuce, radish, onion, lemon, and chili.

Public Tributes: In some communities, public events are organized to honor fathers. Parades, concerts, art shows, and other cultural activities may take place in honor of this celebration.

The importance of Father's Day

Father's Day in Mexico goes beyond a simple date on the calendar . It is a time to reflect on the importance of the father figure in the lives of children and in society in general. Parents play a fundamental role in the upbringing and education of their children, providing them with love, support, guidance and protection.

This celebration invites us to value and recognize the effort and sacrifice that parents make daily to ensure the well-being of their children. It also allows us to strengthen family ties and express our appreciation for their presence and influence in our lives.