How is Mother’s Day Celebrated in Latin America?

In Latin American societies, mothers are viewed as the cornerstone of the family unit, embodying love, resilience, and wisdom.

That is why Mother’s Day is one of the most significant holidays in the region, reflecting deep-rooted cultural values that hold historical and religious significance.

This blog will delve into the unique ways in which Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Puerto Rico celebrate Mother’s Day, highlighting the diverse customs and rituals of love that make this occasion a cherished part of Latin American culture.

Mother’s Day in Mexico

Did you know that Mexico became the first country in all of Latin America to commemorate Mother’s Day?

In 1914, United States President Woodrow Wilson proposed a day on the second Sunday in May to celebrate mothers. In 1922, the founder of the Mexican newspaper Excélsior, Rafael Alducín, suggested replicating this celebration. The idea was supported by the secretary of public education, José Vasconcelos, and it began to be carried out uninterruptedly on May 10 since then.

However, the celebration of mothers has deep pre-Hispanic roots. The Aztecs worshiped the mother of their god Huitzilopochtli, the goddess Coyolxauhqui or Maztli, who was represented by the moon. Aztec mythology says that during the creation of the world, she was killed by the stars who, jealous, took her life so that she would not give birth to her son Huitzilopochtli, who represented the Sun. However, he was born, thus defeating the darkness.

These are some ways in which Mother’s Day is celebrated in Mexico:

• Serenading mom with “Las Mañanitas”: This song is a favorite tune, often accompanied by a mariachi band. Some of the song verses are: “How lovely is the morning in which I come to greet you / We all came here with joy and pleasure to congratulate you / The day you were born all the flowers were born”. Other popular songs on this day are Señora, Señora, Señora, Amor Eterno, and Mama.
• School celebrations: In Mexico, it is also customary to hold festivals with dances and theatrical performances for mothers in schools.
• Honoring La Virgen de Guadalupe: Many members of the Mexican Catholic Church also remember Our Lady of Guadalupe, a powerful symbol of motherhood. Our Lady of Guadalupe represents the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have appeared to an indigenous Mexican peasant in the 16th century.
• Traditional Mexican dishes: Many kitchens and restaurants will produce abundant classic Mexican dishes on Mother’s Day. For example:

• Mole: A traditional Mexican sauce made from a combination of dried chilies, spices, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and sometimes fruits like plantains or raisins. Mole can vary in color and flavor depending on the region and recipe, with variations like mole poblano, mole negro, and mole verde being popular.
  • Pozole: A hearty Mexican soup or stew made with hominy (dried maize kernels treated with an alkali), meat (traditionally pork, but sometimes chicken or beef), and flavored with a rich broth typically seasoned with garlic, onion, and dried chilies. Pozole is often garnished with shredded cabbage or lettuce, radishes, avocado, lime wedges, and served with tostadas or tortilla chips on the side.
  • Enchiladas: These are rolled corn tortillas filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meat (chicken, beef, or pork), or beans. The filled tortillas are then topped with a chili sauce and baked. Enchiladas are often garnished with toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped onions, cilantro, sour cream, and crumbled cheese like queso fresco or cotija.

In addition to mothers, other women such as aunts, grandmothers, and godmothers are important maternal figures within Mexican culture; especially the baptismal godmother or “comadre”. The prefix com– means ‘union’ or ‘together’ and mater means mother, which translates as being a mother together or sharing the work of motherhood. In the Catholic Church, godmothers are chosen in the sacrament of baptism, so that the ‘comadrazgo’ is something very special for Mexican mothers. However, regardless of the religious meaning, the expression “mi comadre” speaks of intimacy, loyalty, and sisterhood.

Mother’s Day in Colombia

Mother’s Day in Colombia is celebrated on the second Sunday of each May.

The official recognition of Mother’s Day in Colombia started in 1925 when President Pedro Nel Ospina decreed the national Mother’s Day throughout the territory.

At first, the holiday was about honoring the Virgin Mary as a symbol of motherhood, love, and devotion. But as time passed, it grew to honor all Colombian mothers, becoming a day that included all kinds of motherhood, no matter the religion.

These are some ways in which Mother’s Day is celebrated in Colombia:

• Salsa dancing: Colombians love to dance salsa – and they’re great at it! Although some families and Moms prefer to head home after dinner to wind down the evening with their relatives, others will head for the nearest salsa bar and strut their moves.
• Going to church: Numerous families join special masses to express gratitude and ask for blessings for their mothers. Faith and spirituality hold great importance in the lives of many Colombians, and this holiday allows them to merge religious devotion with family festivities.
• Traditional Colombian dishes: Many kitchens and restaurants will produce abundant classic Colombian dishes on Mother’s Day. For example:

• Bandeja Paisa: A traditional Colombian dish from the Andean region of the country. It is a filling and delicious recipe that contains beans, rice, arepa, chorizo, plantain, chicharrón, avocado and beef.
  • Puchero Santafereño: A traditional Colombian dish from the Cundinamarca region of Colombia. This beef chicken and pork stew is a filling one-pot dish, perfect to make on a weekend. Puchero is a dish that originated in Spain, as is the case with many other Colombian dishes.
  • Lechona Tolimense: This is a traditional dish, originally from the Tolima department of Colombia. It consists of a whole pork stuffed with rice, peas, potatoes, and spices, cooked in a brick oven for about ten to twelve hours.

Mother’s Day in Argentina

In Argentina, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in October.

The history of Mother’s Day in Argentina dates back to 1931 and is linked to Catholic traditions. The ancient celebration of the liturgical calendar claimed the festival of the Motherhood of the Virgin Mary. Pope Pius XI established October 11th as the day of the “Divine Motherhood of Mary,” in remembrance of the Council of Ephesus, which proclaimed Mary as the true Mother of Christ in 431.

These are some ways in which Mother’s Day is celebrated in Argentina:

• Family Gatherings: Argentinians love big family gatherings, so Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to organize one. Families come together to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures with an abundance of traditional food.
• Singing Tangos: Several tangos pay homage to mothers and explore themes related to motherhood. Here are a few notable tangos that celebrate mothers, which Argentinian families often serenade their mothers with:
• “La Cumparsita” by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez: While not specifically about mothers, this iconic tango has been associated with Mother’s Day in Argentina and Uruguay due to its popularity and sentimental value.
• “Mi Vieja Viola” by Carlos Gardel: This tango, composed by Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera, reflects on the singer’s childhood memories and the role his mother played in his life.
• “Madreselva” by Francisco Canaro: This tango, with lyrics by Luis César Amadori, uses the metaphor of the “madreselva” flower to evoke memories of a mother’s love and tenderness.
• “A Mi Madre” by Aníbal Troilo: This instrumental tango by the renowned bandoneon player Troilo is a beautiful homage to mothers, conveying emotions of love and nostalgia.

• Traditional Argentinian dishes: Many kitchens and restaurants will produce abundant classic Argentinian dishes on Mother’s Day. For example:
  • Roast (or Asado): This is the food that produces the most fanaticism in Argentines. “Asado” is much more than grilled meat as it could be quickly described, it is part of their identity and symbol of unity, the one that Argentines miss the most when they are living abroad, and not so much for the flavor itself but for all the ritual it represents. “Asado” is about getting together early on a weekend with friends or family, lighting the fire, drinking some mate that as the hours go by turns into a wine or a Fernet, and meeting extends throughout the day. It’s not just about eating when the meat is ready, the grill is accompanied by lively talks and music.
  • Alfajor: The idea is simple: two soft sweet cookies with dulce de leche in the middle and dipped in chocolate, in its traditional version. The best-known brands are Havana and Cachafaz.
  • Facturas: These are the most classic accompaniment to mate. There are many varieties: quince paste, pastry cream, dulce de leche, puff pastry, or the classic croissant-type croissants but sweeter and smaller.

Mother’s Day in Brazil

Mother’s Day in Brazil is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

In 1932, President Getúlio Vargas signed the decree that created the official celebration date. The decree says that Mother’s Day was established to celebrate the “feelings and virtues that maternal love helps to awaken and develop in the human heart, contributing to its improvement in the sense of kindness and human solidarity”.

These are some ways in which Mother’s Day is celebrated in Brazil:

• Attending Mass together: In Brazil, where Catholicism is the dominant religion, numerous families commence their Mother’s Day celebration by participating in Mass collectively. The remainder of the day usually revolves around enjoying delicious food and quality time together.
• Samba dancing: Although many claim that the origin of samba took place during the conquest of later Spain by the Muslims, its influence would also be related to the slaves from the Congo and Angola who arrived in Brazil during the slave trade. The result of European, African, and South American fusion resulted in a unique dance that Brazilians perform like no one else.
• Traditional Brazilian dishes: Many kitchens and restaurants will produce classic Brazilian dishes on Mother’s Day. For example:

• Quindim: Quindim is a popular Brazilian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and grated coconut. It has a bright yellow color due to the egg yolks and is typically baked in small, individual-sized molds. Quindim has a sweet and rich flavor with a smooth, custard-like texture.
  • Brigadeiros: Brigadeiros are delicious chocolate truffles made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. The mixture is cooked until it thickens and then rolled into small balls and coated with chocolate sprinkles.
  • Feijoada: Feijoada is a hearty and flavorful Brazilian stew made with black beans and a variety of pork or beef cuts such as sausage, bacon, and pork ribs. It’s often cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory dish. Feijoada is traditionally served with white rice, collard greens, orange slices, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).

Mother’s Day in Puerto Rico

Mother’s Day in Puerto Rico is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

The first edition of the tribute to Puerto Rican mothers occurred in Yauco, a year after it was declared official in the United States (1914) when Amina Tió de Malaret asked the Legislative Assembly in 1915 to declare the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

These are some ways in which Mother’s Day is celebrated in Puerto Rico:

• Flower giving: A common tradition is to give flowers to mothers. Puerto Ricans were given bouquets of colorful and fragrant flowers, such as roses, lilies, or margaritas, as a show of love and appreciation. It is also common to give congratulatory cards with emotional and personalized messages.
• Outdoor activities: Puerto Ricans enjoy warm weather throughout the year, and Mother’s Day celebrations usually include walks along the beach, picnics in the park, or excursions to tourist places on the island. It’s an opportunity to enjoy your mother’s company and create special memories together.
• Traditional Puerto Rican dishes: Many kitchens and restaurants will produce classic Puerto Rican dishes on Mother’s Day. For example:

• Mofongo: Mofongo is a beloved Puerto Rican dish made primarily with mashed fried plantains, which are typically seasoned with garlic, salt, and sometimes pork cracklings (chicharrón). The mashed plantains are shaped into a ball or a mound and often served with a savory sauce or broth, such as a garlic or tomato-based sauce, and may also include protein like shrimp, chicken, or pork.
  • Tembleque: Tembleque is a traditional Puerto Rican coconut pudding that is smooth, creamy, and delicately sweet. It is made with coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and sometimes cinnamon or vanilla for flavoring. The pudding is cooked until it thickens, then poured into molds to set. Once chilled and firm, tembleque is typically garnished with cinnamon or toasted coconut flakes before serving.
  • Tostones: Tostones are a popular Puerto Rican snack or side dish made from green (unripe) plantains. The plantains are sliced into rounds or chunks, fried until golden but still tender, then flattened and fried again until crispy. Tostones are typically seasoned with salt and served as a delicious alternative to potato chips or fries. They are often accompanied by dipping sauces like garlic mojo or mayo-ketchup (a combination of mayonnaise and ketchup).

As we delve into the contrasts and differences between countries’ customs, we gain insights into the multifaceted nature of cultural expression and the unique historical, religious, and social influences that shape these celebrations. From the origins rooted in early feminist movements to the religious and commercial dimensions, Mother’s Day in Latin America embodies a fusion of tradition and modernity.