When is Mexican Mother's Day? What to know about Dia de las Madres
Mother's Day in the U.S. is always on the second Sunday in May, but it often comes a bit earlier for those of Mexican, Salvadoran, and/or Guatemalan descent.
Dia de la Madres always lands on May 10 for those who celebrate. It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
It is often celebrated by families gathering to pay respect to their mothers. Dia de la Madres is a day to honor the sacrifices and hardships endured and give space for mothers to be shown the same love and adoration that they give to their families.
Here's more about Dia de la Madres, why it's important to the Mexican culture and how families celebrate with their Mother's Day traditions.
When is Mexican Mother's Day?
Mother's Day, or Dia de las Madres, is celebrated every year on the same date: May 10.
People in Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and others in the diaspora across the world observe this holiday and pay homage to their mothers on this date.
The big day: Take mom to one of the most luxe Mother's Day brunches in metro Phoenix this year
Why is Mother's Day different in Mexico?
The United States has its own Mother's Day traditions. Every second Sunday in May, Americans celebrate the national holiday. This has been the American tradition since President Woodrow Wilson declared the first Mother's Day in 1914.
Similarly, the U.S. and Mexico have their traditions and observe the holiday on May 10.
Why is Mexican Mother's Day always on the 10th?
Celebrating Dia de las Madres on May 10 is a tradition that started over 100 years ago.
In 1922, a journalist named Rafael Alducin called for Mexico as a nation to decide on a day to pay respects to Mexican mothers.
The result was that May 10 became that day and as the Yucatan Times notes, Mexico became the first Latin American country to recognize a day to pay homage to and recognize the important roles that mothers play.
However, celebrating motherhood is not a new concept in the continent.
Indigenous communities across the region have been built around matriarchs foundational to various cultures' identities. Motherhood and fertility are commonly celebrated and considered sacred, with some communities having deities representing their importance.
What is the Mexican tradition for Mother's Day?
Traditions vary across the diaspora of Mexicans. Some are influenced by regions, as culture and identity differ from community to community. Others have unique generational traditions that shape their understanding of the value of mothers.
Like the American tradition, gifts are a common way to show respect to mothers. This may look like a shared meal or an objective with emotional value. It could be something nice that a mom has been eyeing at the store.
Music pays homage. Songs dedicated to mothers are powerful testaments to the love Mexicans have for their mothers.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is Mexican Mother's Day? A guide to Dia de las Madres traditions
