Mexican Mother’s Day is a special day set aside to honor and recognize the sacrifices and accomplishments of mothers all over the world. In Mexico, Mother’s day also known as Día de la Madre is celebrated on May 10 as opposed to the Mother’s Day in the US that falls on the second Sunday of May. On this day, families go out of their way to show appreciation for their mothers and mother figures by showering them with gifts, love, and affection.
The concept of Mother’s Day in Mexico was introduced in 1922 but was discouraged by the conservative government as they believed that women were being diverted from their primary role – childbearing. With the efforts of socialist government, media, and Catholic Church, this notion was challenged as it was seen as a huge threat to traditional values.
Rafael Alducin, a Mexico City newspaper editor was the power behind the official establishment of Mother’s Day in Mexico on May 10, 1922. He wrote and published an editorial that affirmed the deep ties that existed between motherhood and Mexico’s traditional values. Although the practice had already spread to some parts of Mexico, his article triggered a widespread observance of the holiday. The day grew in popularity and in 1940, the wife of President Manuel Avilla Camacho, Soledad Orozco Garcia declared 10th May a holiday, thus making it a state-sponsored celebration. Following this, the Archbishop of Mexico gave his official sanction to the holiday and that is when Mexicans realized the holiness of mother’s day.
Celebrations begin with people gathering at the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe to mark the spirit of motherhood. Typically, the present mothers are serenaded to the song Las Mañanitas, served early morning meals and presented with handmade gifts, cards and flowers.
Together, let’s honor the women who raised us and show them how important they are to us.
