PRESS RELEASE
Contact: G. Lawrence DeMarco, LLM
Phone: +1-215-901-1930
Email: ldemarco@menandboys.net
Diversity of Global Father’s Day Observances Underscores Contributions that Fathers Make
June 12 – As Father’s Day approaches, nations across the globe prepare to honor the irreplaceable role of fathers. Observed on the third Sunday of June in over 112 countries around the world, (1) Father’s Day is a time to recognize the sacrifices fathers make, for embracing the responsibility of raising children, and for their devotion to their families. (2)
Father’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the world, with each nation choosing a time that reflects its own cultural, religious, or historical traditions — ranging from Spring and Summer observances in Europe and Asia (3)(4), to fall celebrations in Scandinavia (5).
In Italy, Portugal, and Spain, Father’s Day is held on March 19, aligning with the Feast of St. Joseph (3). In Taiwan, August 8 is known as “Baba Day,” a phonetic tribute to fatherhood rooted in the Mandarin language (4). In Australia, Fiji, New Guinea, and New Zealand, Father’s Day is observed on the first Sunday in September. (5) Across Scandinavia, the second Sunday in November is chosen to balance the calendar and boost community spirit ahead of Winter (6).
The origins of Father’s Day in the United States trace back to 1908 in West Virginia, as a memorial following a tragic mining disaster. Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by her own father’s devotion, championed the establishment of the June observance, leading to the first official Father’s Day held in 1910 (7). The event gained national prominence through successive presidential endorsements, with formal recognition arriving in 1972 from President Nixon (8).
Across borders, the spirit of Father’s Day remains unified: to acknowledge and thank the men who mentor, nurture, and protect their families. (2) These contributions are vital, especially at a time when fathers face rising challenges—from inequities in parenting rights to disproportionate risks in their mental health (9).
As the world honors fathers, the International Council for Men and Boys calls on lawmakers and others to commit to enacting policies that reflect and sustain the essential role of fathers.
The International Council for Men and Boys is a non-governmental organization that is working to celebrate the contributions of men to society and to end the 12 disparities that affect men and boys around the world. Achieving #GenderEqualityForMen also will benefit women. https://www.menandboys.net/
Links:
(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father%27s_Day
(2) https://www.almanac.com/content/when-fathers-day
(3) https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/fathers-day
(4) https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/father-day.htm#:~:text=During%20the%20WWII%20years%2C%20Father’s,father%20(爸爸%2C%20bàba)
(5) https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/read-this/global-fathers-day-celebrations-celebration-of-fathers-day-around-the-world-3728741
(6) https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1104
(7) https://www.historylink.org/file/9458
(8) https://www.nixonfoundation.org/2010/06/the-first-official-fathers-day-and-what-was-in-the-news/
(9) https://www.menandboys.net/parenting/