Mother’s Day 2023: why is it celebrated on May 10 in Mexico?

May 10 is practically a sacred day for Mexicans, as it is when those very special mothers are celebrated. Some of the main things being done for this are going to restaurants, as well as giving bouquets of flowers, gifts and even chocolates. Although it is not an official day off work, there are companies and schools that decide to celebrate the day or carry out activities to pay homage to the occasion.

Mexico’s Mother’s Day on May 10: the origins

The National Institute for Women points out that the history of these festivities dates back to ancient Greece, where tributes were paid to Rhea, the mother of Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto. By the 17th century in In Great Britain, a day called “Serving Mother Sunday” was established, which implied the suspension of jobs so that workers could make cakes for their mothers. In 1910, in the United States, a campaign began to establish this day, which became official in 1914. The first celebration was held on May 10, hence it remained a marked date there.

In Mexico, the official story says that Mother’s Day has to do with José Vasconcelos; the then Secretary of Federal Public Education who launched a call to institutionalize the celebrations for mothers. The call was made in the Excelsior newspaper in April 1922 and the date ended up being set for May 10.

During the six-year term of Manuel Ávila Camacho as President of the Republic, the first stone of the Monument to the Mother was laid which is located between Sullivan and Insurgentes streets, and has the engraving “To the one who loved us before we met.” In the work you can see a woman with her child in her arms, on the left side is another woman with an ear of corn, which means fertility and, on the right side, a man with indigenous features who is writing.

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How is Mother's Day celebrated in Mexico?

In the country it is common to give mom a gift on May 10 as a sign of affection and gratitude. It can be a letter, balloons, chocolates, flowers, jewelry or something else personal. Sharing a meal with family, at home or in a restaurant is often done, with mother getting suitable attention.

Is May 10 a mandatory rest day/fiesta?

No. It’s a normal working day and students have to go to classes. However, depending on the patterns and the educational establishment, it is sometimes granted as a free day. It’s worth noting that there is no norm to get any increased wage for working on this day as can happen with official holidays.

When does Mother's Day fall in Mexico in 2023?

You should know this by now if you’ve been paying attention: the 2023 Mother’s Day is celebrated on Wednesday 10 May. Unlike many other countries where it is always at the weekend e.g. ‘the first Sunday of May’, the 10 is immovable in Mexico.