By Caryn Deloach

Mother’s Day in Argentina falls on the second Sunday in October. It is still a spring celebration like the one we enjoy here in the United States, since because of Argentina’s location in the Southern hemisphere spring starts on September 21st.

As Mother’s Day and its festivities around the world are commonly associated with the spring season, some speculate that this may be why Argentina chose to celebrate Mother’s Day in October. Most other South American nations, however, celebrate Mother’s Day in May. In fact, one of the only other nations to celebrate Mother’s Day on this second Sunday in October is India.

Argentina is a very family oriented and matriarchal society as is much of South America, so Mother’s Day is an important event in this country. The entire community takes part in wishing all mothers and grandmothers “¡ Feliz día de las madres!” on this day and mothers here can expect to be treated to a relaxing day–the way in which mothers are celebrated for the most part is similar to many other countries. They are often awoken with breakfast in bed.

Often families attend church where sermons are focused on the Virgin Mary and the mother’s role in a Christian home. Then mothers are given flowers, cards, jewelry or other gifts and often treated to a special dinner. Even the fathers get involved, pitching in with the household chores on that day allowing the mother a break. Many Argentinean fathers will also buy gifts for their wives.

In schools, the week before Mother’s Day, children are busy making crafts and cards to present to their mothers. Argentineans also have one special tradition which is unique in their country. Children and mothers gather in a local hall, community center or school auditorium decorated for a Mother’s Day party. The children form a circle and dance around their mothers. They also sing songs to honor them. And just when the mothers think their celebration is coming to an end, the doors open and the grandmothers come in to celebrate and be honored as well. The festivities become a large party for the whole community.

“¡Feliz día de la madre!” or “¡Feliz día, Mamá!”