Father’s Day Traditions Around the World

While the official holiday of Father’s Day may be an American tradition, honoring the men who raise us is worldwide. Here’s how fathers are celebrated in five other countries:

Germany
Father’s Day in Germany is called Vatertag and as a public holiday, the entire workforce is granted a day off. It is sometimes referred to as Mannerstag or Herrentag (Men’s Day or Gentlemen’s Day), celebrated by all men, not just fathers. This holiday typically takes place on the 40th day of Easter, Ascension Day. Locals celebrate by consuming copious amounts of wine or beer and traveling with a Bollerwagen, a small, man-powered wagon traditionally carrying the celebratory alcohol, to hike through the woods.

Mexico
Like their northern neighbors, Mexico celebrates Dia de los Padres on the third Sunday in June. They mark this holiday with sumptuous feasts and gift giving. Many celebrate this holiday by running in Carrera del Día del Padre, a 21 kilometer half-marathon that takes place in Mexico City.

Thailand
Thailand honors fathers yearly on December 5th, King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, as he is seen by many as the symbolic father of Thailand. Thai’s celebrate this holiday by wearing yellow, the color of the day for Monday, which is the day of the week King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on. A national ceremony that involves candle lighting and displays of faith follows a speech by the king. Canna flowers were traditionally given to fathers and grandfathers, as the canna flower carries a masculine connotation in Thailand.

Russia
Instead of Father’s Day, Russian’s celebrate Defender of the Fatherland day. This holiday is observed on February 23rd to celebrate the armed forces, but has recently been adopted to celebrate all men in general. Many local parades are organized and it is customary for women to give small gifts to the men in their lives on this day. This holiday is also celebrated in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

Greece
Greeks honor their fathers on the third day in June on Fête des Peres, or Feast of Fathers. It is celebrated by sharing meals and small gifts with one’s father. Greece places a special emphasis on divorced fathers on this day, with the International Movement of Dads bringing light to their advocacy for custody equality on this day.

Wherever you are; however you are celebrating, happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!