Everything To Know About Mexican Mother's Day, Including Traditional Feasts and Songs
Agatha Christie has written: "A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." This intense maternal passion accurately describes many women's experiences within motherhood, and it also deeply resonates with Mexican culture as a whole. This brings us to Mexican Mother's Day—one of the most important, cherished holidays in Mexico—which boasts so many traditions including feasts and songs! So when is Mexican Mother's Day?
As radio host Maxine Woodside has said, “For us Mexicans, first, there is the Virgin of Guadalupe, and, second, there is our mother.” This says a lot, as "Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico’s spiritual mother, loved and revered all over the world." And since mothers are held in such high esteem, it's no wonder "El Dia de la Madre" is such a significant annual celebration. Although life has trials and hardships, remembering the enduring support from mothers helps inspire lasting gratitude. After all, to paraphrase author Valeria Luiselli, the world teaches us to shut up, but our mothers teach us to speak.
El Dia de la Madre is full of joy, appreciation, lots of food and singing! Curious to learn more? We have all you need to know about Mother's Day in Mexico. And start taking notes, because many traditional Mexican mom-tributes go above and beyond similar holidays in other nations!
When is Mexican Mother's Day 2023?
Mexican Mother's Day is on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Mother's Day in the United States consistently falls on the second Sunday of May, but Mother's Day in Mexico always takes place on May 10, regardless of which day of the week it happens to fall on.
How do you celebrate Mexican Mother's Day?
First off, you must plan ahead for Mother's Day in Mexico—this is a significant day of intentional, massive celebration! Food, flowers and singing are the biggest components of the day that celebrates mothers as "Queens of the home" or “Las Reinas de la casa."
Starting early in the morning, it's customary to be present at your mother's home and to wake her up with a song (sometimes accompanied by trios or a mariachi band!). It is also common to attend a special mass put on in various Mexican churches. Not only that, but sharing a family meal together is revered on Mother's Day in Mexico, featuring delicacies "such as mole, pozole, enchiladas, cochinita (in Yucatan), sopes, quesadillas, etc."
Related: The Best Mother's Day Gifts
Often, children give their mothers gifts of flowers, candy, and/or cards. It is seen as almost a set rule to show up with a floral arrangement— as one florist has said: "You cannot show up without flowers." Kids are also known to put on skits, dances, or other sweet entertainment programs to show their love for their mamas (additionally, it's common for schools to put together impressive productions that allow the students to showcase their talents and appreciation for moms in the audience!).
What's a traditional Mexican Mother's Day song?
In Mexico, one example of a traditional song, or "una canción," for the morning of Mother's Day is known as "Las Mañanitas" or "Little Mornings" or "The Morning Song." This is also Mexico's birthday song! Lyrics for this occasion include:
“Despierta mi bien despierta
Mira que ya amaneció
Ya los pajarillos cantan
La luna ya se metió”“Awaken, my dear, awaken
and see that the day has dawned
now the little birds are singing
and the moon has set.”
15 Mexican Mother's Day Quotes
There are many common phrases used on El Dia de la Madre, including:
¡Feliz día de las madres! (Happy Mother's Day!)
Gracias por estar allí, por cuidarme, por ser mi mamá (Thank you for being there, for taking care of me, for being my mom)
Gracias por todo lo que me has hecho (Thanks for all you've done for me)
Cuando estoy contigo, estoy feliz como un pez en el agua (When I am with you, I am happy as a fish in the water)
Estoy agradecido/agradecida por todo tu trabajo (I'm thankful for all your work)
Eres la mejor mamá del mundo (You're the best mom in the world)
Como tú no hay dos (Like you there are not two)
Que tengas un gran Día de la Madre (Have a great Mother's Day)
Te agradezco (I thank you/I appreciate you)
Me haces sonreír (You make me smile)
Te amo (I love you)
No hay nadie en el mundo que me quiera como tú (There is no one in the world who loves me like you)
Te admiro (I admire you)
Mamá, eres la mejor (Mom, you're the best)
Te quiero con todo mi corazón (I love you with all my heart)
Check out:
Inspiring Mom Quotes
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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
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DIY Mother’s Day Card Ideas
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