Celebrating Día del Padre: Father’s Day in Mexico

United States By Luis Tencio Sep 22, 2022

The history and celebrations around Día del Padre, Father’s Day in Mexico.

Día del Padre, or Father’s Day, celebrates fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and beloved father-like figures in la familia. Similar to the U.S., Father’s Day in Mexico is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. In 2022, Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 19th.

As with other Mexican fiestas and celebrations, Father’s Day is celebrated on a larger scale than in the U.S. Because family is an integral part of society in Mexican culture, Father’s Day brings the whole family together in honor of el jefe de la familia.

Día del Padre has many festive traditions where you can celebrate and honor the masculine figures in your life. For those living far away from Papá this year, Western Union can help you send gift money to Mexico in honor of your father’s hard work.

The Origins of Día del Padre

There are a few origin stories for Father’s Day. Some sources claim it derives from an old Christian holiday dedicated to Joseph, the father of Jesus. Some believe it comes from Pagan sun worship since the sun is considered the father in Paganism. The summer solstice also occurs around Father’s Day.

At least locally, Father’s Day became popularized in the U.S. before Mexico adopted the holiday itself. In the U.S. in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd made a special request to dedicate a day to honor fathers. She wanted to honor her father, who solely raised her and her five siblings after her mother passed away. Father’s Day became popularized over the course of the 20th century before Mexico adopted the celebration in the 1950s.

How to celebrate Father’s Day in Mexico 

One of the most well-known ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Mexico is to join the Carrera Día del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan. This half-marathon has become a Mexican tradition where fathers, sons, and daughters race together to raise money to protect the forests. It takes place in Mexico City, and a festive carnival follows the event. It’s a wonderful bonding experience between generations of fathers and children who honor and support one another.

In addition to the famous half-marathon, many families get together and orchestrate a delicious meal compiled of Papá’s favorite foods. Usually, there’s grilled meat and other scrumptious foods. Dessert usually includes Mexican chocolate or the sweet Mexican bread, pan dulce.

Children and fathers play games together at these family gatherings, open gifts, and dance and play music. Music might include singing traditional Mexican songs like Cielito Lindo or Por Qué Me Haces Llorar. Children and grandchildren will give thoughtful gifts like a tie, shaving products, wallets, and possibly even jewelry or a tiny bag of alcohol.

Most schools have a Father’s Day event the following Monday where some friendly competition is expected. Fathers and children join sack races and football games, or the children put on school plays.

Father’s Day in Mexico is also an opportunity to honor and remember fathers and father-like figures who have passed away. Many families will do a personal tribute to their past loved ones.

How to send money for Father’s Day

If your father is out of the country or working far away from home or you are away from your kids, modern technology helps families remain close together even if you cannot be together in person.

Western Union’s mobile app is one example of that technology. You can use the app to send money transfers as a gift or support to your father or family who live across the border. It’s easy, reliable and convenient, as your loved one can have the money deposited directly into their bank account or pick up that cash at one of our 38,000 WU locations across Mexico. You can send remittances, pay bills, and help take a load off Papá’s back.

You can easily download the app and enter your bank account and the recipient’s information. In the app, you can track your payment status and get a notification when your money has been received. You can also send money via Western Union’s website or at one of our many agent locations.

Día del Padre is an opportunity to celebrate family and all that fathers do for their children. No matter what you decide to do, we hope you enjoy it, especially if you are a father yourself.

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