FATHER´S DAY (ALL LEVELS)

Like many European countries, Spain’s holiday calendar is heavily influenced by the church. Father’s Day (El Día del Padre in Spanish) is celebrated in Spain on St. Joseph’s Day which falls on March 19.

St. Joseph’s Day is a Roman Catholic feast day designated to commemorate the life of Joseph, husband of Mary, who set the example of what a good husband and father is for his role within the Holy Family. Saint Joseph is also the patron saint of the Catholic Church, immigrants, workers, carpenters, as well as other groups and causes.

Until recently, Father’s Day was a national holiday in Spain. This holiday is still considered to be extremely important in Spain as it acknowledges the contribution of fathers within the family and society as a whole. It is also the time to honor those family members and friends who fulfill the role of father-figures. In Spain, it is not uncommon for the whole family to get together for a big meal and to give small gifts to their father. In Valencia, St. Joseph’s Day coincides with their huge annual fiesta of Las Fallas.

In Spain many people take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our fathers usually by giving him a hug and saying “Te quiero, papá” (I love you dad). Also, it is not uncommon on this day for kids to give their father a gift as a token of their affection. The gifts can range from a jamón (something this entire family can enjoy) to taking him out for a nice meal in a restaurant or spoiling him with the latest technological gadget. Usually, primary school students in Spain begin gearing up for Father’s day a week before the holiday. In class, children will make cards, ties, picture albums and other artistic creations to bring home where they may also help out making dad his favorite dish.

http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/holidays/father-day

MANY PEOPLE CLAIM THAT THIS IS ALL A “COMMERCIAL INVENTION” . WHAT DO YOU THINK?

ARE YOU FOR OR AGAINST THIS KIND OF CELEBRATIONS?