Celebrating Father’s Day around the world

Almost every country has a Father’s Day, but exactly how it’s celebrated varies depending on where you live. In many countries, traditions include a family…

Almost every country has a Father’s Day, but exactly how it’s celebrated varies depending on where you live. (Shutterstock)

Almost every country has a Father’s Day, but exactly how it’s 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 that’s typically served. Religion also plays a role in Father’s Day celebrations for certain countries.

SEE ALSO: 3 ways to make the average dad healthier for Father’s Day

Curious about how other people tell dad he’s 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. Joseph’s day, families honor dad on March 19th. Bolivia and Honduras also celebrate Father’s 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

Father's Day is celebrated differntly all over the world.

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 Father’s 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 Father’s Day tradition that’s surprisingly similar.

The holiday, generally known in the country as “men’s day,” is often celebrated by way of men getting together with a wagon full of beer and food. They’ll 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. Men’s 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 Father’s Day, the Thai people coordinate this holiday with King’s Day: on December 5th, people honor both the King’s 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 Father’s Day isn’t as much of a tradition in South Africa—or much of the African continent—as it is in Europe and the Americas, many families do honor dad or spend time together.

Rather than heaping gifts on fathers, it’s common for South African families to have a picnic or go fishing. The holiday’s focus is on how fathers contribute to society.

Whether you’re home or abroad for Father’s Day, don’t be afraid to start your own traditions: just make sure dad knows how special he is!

SEE ALSO: Father’s Day: great gifts for under $50

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