Mother’s Day will be celebrated this Sunday, May 9, in the United States. The 2nd Sunday in May is a very popular date worldwide for people to honor their mothers, but it is not the same in every country! Many Mother's Day celebrations also coincide with International Women's Day, March 8th. We thought it would be fun to find out how to say Happy Mother’s Day in the languages that AmeriSpan offers programs in, as well as when people celebrate this holiday around the world.
Spanish: Feliz Día de la madre
Mother's day is celebrated in Spain on the 1st Sunday in May. Mexico and Guatemala celebrate on May 10th. Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela honor their mothers on the 2nd Sunday of May. Bolivian Mother's Day takes place on May 27. Dominican Republic and Nicaragua partake in the festivities on the last Sunday in May. Costa Rica celebrates on August 15. Argentina's Mother's Day is on the 3rd Sunday in October. Finally, in Panama, Mother's Day coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Want to learn more Spanish language and culture? Go to Spanish Language Schools
Arabic: Eid Al-Omm
In most Arabic countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Oman, Mother's Day is celebrated on the Vernal Equinox (First Day of Spring), which is March 21. In Morocco, Mother's Day is the last Sunday in May. For more information about learning Arabic, go to Arabic Language Schools
Chinese: Mu qin jié kuài lè
Mother's Day in China and Taiwan is a relatively new holiday, and is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May. Still an unofficial festival, it is quickly gaining popularity. Go to Chinese Language Schools
French: Joyeuse fête des mères
Canada and Switzerland follow Western tradition and hold their Mother's Day celebrations on the 2nd Sunday in May every year. In France, the holiday is observed on the last Sunday in May. Go to French Language Schools
German: Muttertag
Austria and Germany celebrate on the 2nd Sunday of May. Muttertag in Germany is regarded as an important holiday. Go to German Language Schools
Italian: Buona festa della mamma
Italy and Switzerland also follow suit with western tradition and celebrate on the 2nd Sunday of May. Go to Italian Language Schools
Japanese: Haha no hi
Mother's Day celebrations in Japan began to recognize the birthday of Empress Kojun, the mother of Emperor Akihito, which took place on May 6th. Eventually this transformed into being held annually on the 2nd Sunday of May. Go to Japanese Language Schools
Korean: Oboi Nal
In South Korea, a combination of Mother's and Father's Day are held on May 8, and called Parent's Day. Small festivities are held, along with gifts of flowers for mothers. Go to Korean Language Schools
Polish: Dzien Matki
In Poland, the Day of the Mother is celebrated on May 26 with gifts and flowers for mothers. Go to Polish Language Schools
Portuguese: Feliz Dia das Mães
An unofficial holiday in Brazil, it is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May. In Portugal, they partake in Mother's Day celebrations on the 1st Sunday in May. Go to Portuguese Language Schools
Thai: Sook sun wan mae
In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on Queen Sirikit's birthday, August 12. Notably, Father's Day is held on the King's birthday. Go to Thai Language Schools