Observed by more than 40+ countries, Father’s Day is celebrated around the world.  No matter what day it falls on or how you celebrate it, it’s all about one thing – the man himself “Dad”

Romania Ziua Tatălui

Father’s Day is a special day for fathers and father figures in Romania.  Romania is notable here as it was the last EU nation to have one! On October 15, 2009, the Romanian government adopted a law that set the country’s official Father’s Day on the second Sunday of May and Mother’s Day on the first Sunday of May. The law initiative was sparked by TATA, an alliance that fights discrimination against fathers.

RussiaДень отца

Russia does not celebrate Father's Day as it is celebrated in the West. They celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Dayyearly on February 23. it commemorates the establishment of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War in 1918 and is a day where people celebrate not only the military, but all men. Parades are held throughout the country and women give men they are close to gifts.  Not technically a “Father’s Day”, but a day where you give homage to your father…and all-important men in your life.  

Mexico Día del Padre

There are massive parties full of gifts for Dads held around the country, as well as an annual 21K race known as the Carrera Dia del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan. For those brave and fit enough to run, it’s held on the 3rd Sunday of June. 

Italy Festa del papà

Spain día del padre

& Portugal dia do pai

These three heavily Catholic countries’ Father’s Day coincides with the day of the Feast of St. Joseph. Falling on the 19th March every year, it happens to be right in the middle of Lent 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.  

Thailand  วันพ่อ

One of the most important days in Thailand is Father’s Day.  It is celebrated on December 5^th which is the birthday of the former monarch of Thailand which is a national holiday and is celebrated all over the country. He died in Oct 2016 aged 88 and his full name was phra bat somdet phra poramintharamaha bhumibol adulyadej mahitalathibet ramathibodi chakkrinaruebodin sayamminthrathirat borommanatbophit  

It’s also a recent tradition to wear pink on this day after King Bhumibol was seen in 2007 leaving a hospital in a pink blazer following a health scare. Another (fading) custom involves Thais giving the gift of a Canna flower to their fathers and grandfathers.  

Nepal Kushe Aausi or Pitritarpani Aausi or Gokarne Aausi

This Nepalese holiday is held during late summer. Fathers not only receive gifts but are honoured by their sons touching their forehead to their feet while daughters touch their foreheads to their hands. People also go to the Gorkana Temple to pray for the fathers who have passed away.  The country’s Gokarna Aunsi is not actually celebrated until late summer, and it’s not officially a Father’s Day in the Western sense. In fact, its name literally translates to “cow eared no moon night.” So where does pops factor in? Well, not only does he get some gifts, he is honoured to be touched on his feet by his son’s forehead. Hopefully, one of the gifts in question was socks. 

Germany Glücklicher Vatertag

In Germany, Father's Day is celebrated differently from other parts of the world. It is always celebrated on Ascension Day (the Thursday forty days after Easter), which is a federal holiday. Regionally, it is also called men's day, Männertag, or gentlemen's day, Herrentag. It is tradition to do a males-only hiking tour with one or more smaller wagons, Bollerwagen, pulled by manpower. In the wagons are wine or beer (according to region) and traditional regional food, Hausmannskost, which could be Saumagen, Leberwurst (Liverwurst), Blutwurst (Blood Sausage), vegetables, eggs, etc. Many men will use this holiday to get very drunk, so usually groups of drunk people roam the streets all day. These traditions are probably rooted in Christian Ascension Day's processions to the farmlands, some of which reportedly took on the character of drinking sprees as early as in the 17th century. In the streets of urban regions, especially Berlin, "gentlemen parties" take place since the 19th century, excluding women and going along with alcohol consumption. However, several fathers also spend the day with their families and refrain from getting drunk. 

Australia

What is noticeable about Father's Day in Australia is its unique time of celebration. Unlike in US and several other countries where Father's Day is celebrated on the Third Sunday of June, Father’s Day in Australia is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. Hence, the date of Father's Day is never fixed. 

China 父親節快樂fù qīn jié kuài lè

In Mainland China, Father’s Day (the third Sunday in June) is almost unknown. It isn’t a public holiday, but expats in China might celebrate it. Perhaps some Western fathers might be honoured on the day by their family, friends, or workmates.

This wasn’t always the case though. During the WWII years, Father’s Day was celebrated on August 8. The Republic of China government wanted to celebrate the soldiers who died and honour fathers. They chose that date because in Chinese August 8 can be shortened to “bā bā” (八八 ‘eight eight’). This sounds similar to the informal word for father (爸爸, bàba). This tradition dropped off in the Mainland but was continued in Taiwan under the Republic of China government. 

Indiaوالد کا دن or फादर्सडेfathers dey

The concept of celebrating Father's Day is very new in India. The idea of celebrating Father’s Day has been imported from western countries mainly US, perhaps less than a decade ago.

However, it is remarkable to note that the idea of observing a day in honour of fathers has been appreciated by Indians to a large extent. Today, millions of people in India observe Father's Day on the third Sunday of June by expressing gratitude for their father or men who are like father.

Father's Day celebration in India takes place in the same way as in UK or US though in a limited way. Awareness about Father’s Day festival is much greater in metropolitan cities and bigger towns due to the greater exposure of people to the western cultures in such places. But thanks to the rigorous advertising campaign launched by card companies and gift sellers the idea of celebrating Fathers Day is fast catching on with people in smaller towns and cities of India.

Just as in UK and US people in India too, celebrate Father's Day by expressing gratitude and love for Papa.

Netherlandsgelukkige vaderdag

In the Netherlands, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and is not a public holiday. Traditionally, as on Mother's Day, fathers get breakfast in bed made by their children and families gather together and have dinner, usually at the grandparents' house. In recent years, families also started having dinner out, and as on Mother's Day, it is one of the busiest days for restaurants. At school, children handcraft their present for their fathers. Consumer goods companies have all sorts of special offers for fathers: socks, ties, electronics, suits, and men's healthcare products. 

No matter where you are in the world – have a great day celebrating your Dad!