Dia de las Madres: Celebrating Mother’s Day Across Latin America and the US
Dia de las Madres, or Mother’s Day, is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring mothers for their love and dedication to their families. While it is observed on the second Sunday of May in the United States, the date varies across Latin America, with Mexico, El Salvador, and several other countries celebrating Dia de las Madres on May 10th each year (NBC Los Angeles; Click2Houston; WVLT).
In Mexico, Dia de las Madres is a century-old tradition and is marked by giving flowers to mothers, who are affectionately known as “Queens of the house” (Las Reinas de la Casa) (Mexico Daily Post). The event is celebrated across the country, with street vendors playing an integral role, selling flowers and chocolates to passing cars (Chicago Sun-Times). This year, the streets of Chicago were adorned with vendors catering to the needs of children and families looking to make their moms feel extra special.
In Knoxville, Tennessee, locals embraced Mexican Mother’s Day customs and celebrated with their own unique twist (WVLT). A similar celebration took place in Houston, Texas, with different dates for Mexican and American mothers to be honored (Click2Houston). Despite the divergence in dates, these celebrations all share the common goal of paying homage to the invaluable role that mothers play in their families and society.
AzCentral delved into the history of Mexican Mother’s Day and its origins, highlighting the significance of the longstanding tradition (AZCentral). With so much attention given to Dia de las Madres in various communities, it is clear that the celebration transcends national borders and ingrains itself into the hearts of communities all around.
In the spirit of the occasion, several businesses have even offered special promotions to mark the event. This year, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) gave away free chicken nuggets from Dia de las Madres on May 10th through to American Mother’s Day on May 14th, calling it the KFC Nuggets of Love campaign (TODAY).
Despite the different dates and customs, one thing remains universal: the love and appreciation for mothers. Dia de las Madres serves as an important reminder for us to cherish and celebrate these remarkable women in our lives.
