Mother’s Day in Guatemala

Last updated on May 6th, 2024 at 06:03 pm

Mother’s Day in Guatemala is celebrated every year on May 10, a special date dedicated to honoring and celebrating mothers throughout the country.

In Guatemala, Mother’s Day is considered an official holiday, allowing families from all over the country to dedicate the entire day to celebrate and honor their mothers without worrying about work.

Mother’s Day Celebrations in Guatemala

Regardless of the city, some traditions are common throughout the country:

• Fireworks in the Morning: In many cities, the day begins with the bursting of fireworks. This vibrant awakening is a jubilant way to mark the beginning of the festivities. The festivities may begin the day before, on May 9.
• School Performances: Schools organize events where students perform dances, recite poetry, and put on short plays to honor mothers. These performances are proud moments for both mothers and students.
• Masses: Most cities hold a special mass in honor of Mother’s Day, reflecting the importance of religion in Guatemalan culture. These masses are usually emotional and focused on blessing the mothers of the community.

Importance of the Congress of the Republic in the Consolidation of the Date

The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala played a crucial role in officially decreeing May 10 as Mother’s Day in 1972, underscoring the importance of mothers in Guatemalan society and guaranteeing annual recognition.

Mother’s Day in Guatemala: Detailed Celebrations by City

Mother’s Day is an occasion deeply rooted in Guatemalan culture, with celebrations varying slightly from city to city, but always maintaining a spirit of respect and love for mothers.

Here are some of how different cities in Guatemala celebrate this special day.

Guatemala City

In the capital, Mother’s Day is a big event with multiple activities. Shopping malls and restaurants offer special promotions, and urban parks are filled with families enjoying picnics and live music.

Antigua Guatemala

In Antigua, the celebration is both intimate and communal. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations and a mix of traditional and contemporary music echoes in the air as families stroll the cobblestone streets.

Quetzaltenango

Known for its vibrant cultural scene, Xela offers concerts and cultural events highlighting traditional music and dances. Mothers are treated to marimba performances in public plazas and parks.

Different Dates for Mother’s Day Celebrations

Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the world:

• United States and Canada: Second Sunday in May.
• Norway: Second Sunday in February.
• Thailand: August 12, on the Queen’s birthday.
• Greece, Montenegro, Albania: March 8, which is International Women’s Day.

This diversity shows how different cultures honor mothers according to their own traditions and historical contexts.

Other Mother’s Day Celebrations in Latin America

In Latin America, the date of May 10 each year resonates in several countries:

• El Salvador and Mexico: Celebrate Mother’s Day on the same date as Guatemala.
• Argentina: the third Sunday in October.
• Panama: December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
• Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, and Peru have adopted the second Sunday in May, following the example of the United States.
• Bolivia: May 27 pays tribute to the women who fought for Bolivian freedom in history.
• Costa Rica: Costa Rican mothers are celebrated on August 15.
• Dominican Republic: May 30 is for Dominican mothers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Mother’s Day celebrated on May 10 in Guatemala?

• • In Guatemala, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10 by a decree of the Congress of the Republic established in 1972, seeking to homogenize the date with other Latin American countries such as Mexico and El Salvador.

2. How does the Virgin Mary influence Mother’s Day celebrations in Guatemala?

• • The Virgin Mary is a central figure in the celebrations, honored in special masses as the mother of Jesus and symbol of sacred maternity.

3. What other countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the same day as Guatemala?

• • Mexico and El Salvador also celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10.

4. Are there variations in the date of celebration of Mother’s Day worldwide?

• • Yes. For example, the United States and Canada celebrate “Mother’s Day” on the second Sunday in May, while Norway celebrates on the second Sunday in February and Thailand on August 12.

5. How do you say ‘mama’ in some Mayan languages of Guatemala?

• • Guatemalan mothers not only have the name “mother” but sometimes also a name in their native language. In Kaqchikel it is “Nanäq”, in K’iche’ it is “Na’oj”, in Mam it is “Nan”, and in Q’eqchi’ it is “Nana”.

How to Say “Happy Mother’s Day” in Several Languages

Around the world, Mother’s Day is celebrated with different customs and on different dates, but the feeling of appreciation for mothers is universal. Mothers teach us so much, from how to talk to how to save money.

Here’s how to say “Happy Mother’s Day” in several languages, so you can share your best wishes with mothers from different cultures:

• Spanish: Feliz Día de la Madre
• French: Bonne Fête des Mères
• German: Alles Gute zum Muttertag
• Italian: Buona Festa della Mamma
• Portuguese: Feliz Dia das Mães
• Russian: С Днем Матери
• Chinese (Mandarin): 母亲节快乐 (Mǔqīn jié kuàilè)
• Japanese: 母の日おめでとうございます (Haha no Hi omedetō gozaimasu)
• Arabic : عيد أم سعيد (Eid umm sa’īd).
• Swahili (Kenya, Tanzania): Siku ya Mama Njema

With these phrases, you can send your congratulations to mothers worldwide, celebrating their love and dedication on their special day.

Conclusion

Mother’s Day in Guatemala is a holiday that reflects the country’s cultural diversity. From fireworks at dawn to masses and school performances, each Guatemalan city has its own way of celebrating this day, demonstrating the deep love and respect for mothers in every corner of the country. Greetings to the mothers of Guatemala from Remitly.