By Caryn Deloach

Mothers in the Republic of Panama consider themselves lucky. This is because for Panamanian mothers, Mother’s day or “El día de la madre” falls on December 8th. This is also the day of the Immaculate Conception and in Panama this is a national holiday.

The Immaculate Conception celebrates the day the Virgin Mary was conceived. Many people believe this day in fact honors the conception of Jesus. However, this is incorrect. It is the conception of his mother, the Virgin Mary, which is remembered on December 8th as she was the one born 9 months later on November 8th of the following year. It is fitting for Panamanian mothers to share their special day with the Virgin Mary as she is considered the most honored of mothers. The Roman Catholic population in Panama considers the Virgin Mary the ideal mother figure to whom they aspire and mothers feel honored to be celebrated alongside of her.

Many residents of this predominantly Roman Catholic nation have the day off work and banks and government facilities are closed. In fact, the only businesses that are open on this day are restaurants and retail establishments for mothers day gifts.

The Republic of Panama is the only country in the Americas to celebrate Mother’s Day on December 8th. However, in Spain, Mother’s Day also falls on the day of the Immaculate Conception. Panama most likely adopted this tradition during the time when the Spanish occupied the Central American nation, beginning in 1519. Over 300 years later, when Panama finally claimed its independence from Spain, Panamanians had already intermingled with the Spanish so much so that they had adopted many of their traditions and their language. The tradition of honoring mothers on December 8th along with the Virgin Mary prevailed in Panama as well.

December 8th also officially begins the Christmas season in Panama. So, on Mother’s Day, seasonal decorations go up and the entire country begins to feel the holiday spirit. Visitors describe the day as jubilant and festive and a much larger celebration than is seen in many western countries.

It is not only a bigger holiday but it differs also in the way families honor their mothers as well. While mothers in the United States are often treated to flowers, store bought gifts and lavish dinners, mothers in the Republic of Panama are not honored with monetary displays of affection. Individual communities hold organized events to celebrate their local mothers. The men cook a large dinner while the children decorate for the festivities. When the mothers arrive they are presented with homemade gifts, songs or poems. In Panama the entire community comes out to a feast that celebrates its mothers, the Virgin Mary and the coming holiday season.

¡Feliz día de la madre!