Why and how Father's Day is celebrated in Colombia

Father's Day is a special date in which we honor and celebrate the father figure in our lives. In Colombia , as in many other countries around the world, this day is celebrated with joy and gratitude towards those men who play the important role of fathers.

Origins of Father's Day

The idea of honoring parents has ancient roots, dating back to the civilizations of ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Rome. However, the modern celebration of Father's Day is primarily attributed to Sonora Smart Dodd , an American woman seeking to honor her father, Henry Jackson Smart, who raised his six children alone, following the death of his wife.

In 1909, Sonora proposed the idea of celebrating a special day dedicated to fathers, and suggested that it be on June 5, the date of her father's birthday. The proposal quickly gained popularity and, in 1972, President Richard Nixon made Father's Day official as a national celebration in the United States, establishing that it be celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

Father's Day in Colombia

In Colombia, the celebration of Father's Day has its own peculiarities and has evolved over time. The official date of celebration is the third Sunday of June, as in the United States and many other countries. However, it is important to note that in Colombia the Day of Saint Joseph is also celebrated, on March 19, in honor of the earthly father of Jesus according to Christian tradition.

San José Day has been a deeply rooted festivity in Colombia since colonial times. During this celebration, masses and processions are held in honor of San José, considered the patron saint of parents. Over the years, this religious holiday has become intertwined with the secular celebration of Father's Day, creating a special occasion to honor both fathers in general and the heavenly father.

Celebrations and customs

Father's Day in Colombia is an occasion to express love and gratitude towards fathers and father figures. It is common for sons and daughters to give gifts to their parents, such as shirts, ties, books, or even special experiences such as meals in restaurants or family outings. Gifts are usually accompanied by cards and handwritten messages, in which feelings of love and appreciation are expressed. Some of the most popular celebrations or commemorations in this country are the following:

• Meaningful Gifts: A Token of Love and Appreciation

One of the most common traditions in the celebration of Father's Day in Colombia is the delivery of gifts. Sons and daughters use this occasion to express their love and appreciation through meaningful gifts. The most popular gifts are often those that reflect the interests and hobbies of the parents, such as books, shirts, ties, tools, sports equipment, or even special experiences, such as tickets to sporting events or trips.

• Emotional cards and messages

In addition to material gifts, cards and handwritten messages are also an important part of the Father's Day celebration in Colombia. Sons and daughters dedicate time and effort to create personalized cards in which they express their feelings and emotions towards their parents. These cards are often filled with words of love, gratitude, and appreciation, and become an emotional treasure for parents.

• Family gatherings and special meals

Father's Day in Colombia is also an opportunity to gather the family and share moments of joy and camaraderie. Many families host special lunches or dinners in honor of the parents, either at home or in restaurants. During these meetings, a delicious meal is enjoyed and family anecdotes, laughter and good times are shared. It is an occasion to strengthen family ties and celebrate together the importance of parents.

In many schools and colleges, children perform special activities in honor of their parents. They can make cards or crafts, write poems, or participate in art performances. These activities not only encourage children's creativity , but also allow them to express their love and appreciation towards their parents.

This day in Colombia is not only a date to celebrate, but also to reflect on the importance of the paternal role in society. It is an opportunity to recognize the love, sacrifice and dedication that parents give to their children. It is also a time to highlight the importance of the father figure in the development and training of children, as well as to promote gender equality and co-responsibility in parenting .

It is important to mention that Father's Day can also be a nostalgic date for those who have lost their parents. It is a time to remember and honor their memory, and to value the legacy they left in our lives.