Mexican Mother's Day, known as "El Día de las Madres," is celebrated annually on May 10th, regardless of the day of the week. This date differs from the United States, where Mother's Day is observed on the second Sunday of May. The tradition in Mexico began in 1922, inspired by the American celebration but culturally rooted in the reverence for motherhood and the Virgin of Guadalupe, regarded as Mexico's spiritual mother. The day involves waking the mother with the traditional song "Las Mañanitas," often performed live with mariachi music, and is filled with expressions of gratitude, feasting, singing, and gift-giving such as flowers and cards. Mothers are honored as the "queens of the house," and families typically gather early for special mass and share a meal that features traditional Mexican dishes. The celebration extends beyond biological mothers to include all women who play a maternal role in the family and society. Mother's Day is widely embraced in Mexico, often with workplaces granting the day off for celebration, and it is one of the busiest days for restaurants in the country.
Key Traditions
- Celebrated on May 10 every year, regardless of the weekday.
- Waking mothers early with "Las Mañanitas" sung live, often by mariachi bands.
- Attending special church masses, often with religious symbols such as the Virgin of Guadalupe.
- Family gatherings with abundant traditional food like mole, cochinita, and quesadillas.
- Gifts commonly include flowers, cards, and heartfelt tokens.
- Recognizing all maternal figures in the family, not just biological mothers.
This celebration is highly significant culturally and religiously in Mexico, highlighting the vital role of mothers in family and community life.
