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Celebrating Grandparents Around the World

How different cultures celebrate Grandparents
Grandparents Day Worldwide
Body First

Grandparents Day is a time to celebrate the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. This holiday is celebrated in many countries around the world, each with its own unique traditions. Some countries have separate days celebrating Grandmothers and Grandfathers. Others combine Grandparents with families, because, after all, grandparents are the root of the family! 

Here's a list of countries who celebrate Grandparents with a special day. 

International Grandparents Day

In 2021, Pope Francis declared World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to take place annually on the fourth Sunday of July, neighboring the memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Brazil, Honduras and Spain celebrate their Grandparents Day on this day. 

In Australia, Grandparents Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in October. This day was originally called Grandparents’ Day in Australia, but it was later changed to Grandparents and Family Day. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate the important role that grandparents play in families and society.

Grandparents Day is celebrated differently in different parts of Australia. For example, in Tasmania it is common for children to make their grandparents a card or present. In New South Wales, it is traditional for grandchildren to prepare a meal for their grandparents. And in Victoria, many families celebrate by going on a picnic together.

In Bangladesh, the National Grandparents Day is celebrated on 9 September to honor and express gratitude towards their constant love, care, and support.

In Brazil, Grandparents' Day (Portuguese: Dia dos avós) is celebrated on July 26.

In Canada, Grandparents Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in September. While the date is no longer official, it is still observed by many. 

In China, grandparents are often given presents like money or food on Grandparents Day. This holiday is a time for families to come together and celebrate the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Chinese children often prepare special dances or songs for their grandparents on this day. This is a way to show their love and appreciation for all that their grandparents have done for them.

In Estonia, Grandparents' Day (Vanavanemate päev) is celebrated on the second Sunday in September. The day was created to help emphasise the role of grandparents in raising grandchildren and at the same time it will be a tribute to elderly people in Estonia. 

In France, Grandmothers' Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in March.

In Germany, Grandmothers' Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in October.

In Hong Kong, Grandmothers' Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in October.

In India, Grandparents Day is celebrated on October 2nd. Grandparents and Family Day is a time for families to come together and celebrate the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Children often prepare special dances or songs for their grandparents on this day. This is a way to show their love and appreciation for all that their grandparents have done for them.

In Italy, Grandparents' Day (known as Festa Nazionale dei Nonni, "National Grandparents' Feast") is celebrated on October 2.

In Japan, Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated on the third Monday of September. While the Japanese believe in honoring their elders everyday, this is a day set aside to specifically honor elderly citizens. 

In Mexico, Grandparents Day is celebrated on August 28th. Mexican children often give their grandparents a present on Grandparents Day. This can be anything from a card to a gift. In some cases, children will prepare a special meal for their grandparents.

In the Netherlands, "Opa en Oma Dag" is celebrated on June 4. The day was envisioned as a day for grandparents to spend time in enjoyable activities with their grandchildren, in order to strengthen the bond between the generations and to increase respect and appreciation for senior citizens in general. One idea that has been promoted is the "adoption" of a grandmother or grandfather - for the day, or for life.

In the Philippines, Grandparents' Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. Grandparents' Day in the Philippines is also a family day. Many commercial establishments organize special events and give special privileges for the elderly people: free concerts, meal discounts, free medical checkups, flowers, etc.

In Poland, "Grandma's Day" (Polish: Dzień Babci) was created in 1964 by the Kobieta i Życie magazine, and popularized from 1965 onwards. It is celebrated on January 21. "Grandpa's Day" (Polish: Dzień Dziadka) is celebrated a day later, on January 22

Russia celebrates Grandparents' Day on October 28. The Grandparents' Day started being celebrated by the ancient slavs. The day was supposed to consolidate the connection with ancestors and bring together all generations.

Singapore started celebrating Grandparents' Day in 1979, a year after the U.S. started. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in November.

South Sudan started celebrating Grandparents' Day in 2013, with the date set as the second Sunday in November.

In Spain, Grandparents Day is celebrated on March 19th. Grandparents Day is celebrated differently in different parts of Spain, though it is most common for children to give their grandparents a rose.

In Portugal, Grandparents' Day (Portuguese: Dia dos avós) is celebrated on July 26.

In Taiwan Grandparents' Day (祖父母節, Zǔfùmǔ Jié) is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in August annually, shortly before school children would start a new school year.

 

The UK celebrates Grandparents Day on the first Sunday of October every year. The day was introduced to the UK in 1990 by the charity Age Concern.

Grandparents' Day is celebrated annually in Great Britain on the first Sunday after October 9th. The day was originally set up as a way to honour grandparents, but it has evolved into a day for families to come together and celebrate.

Many people choose to spend Grandparents' Day at a park or garden, where they can enjoy a picnic lunch or some other type of outdoor activity. Others will visit a museum, art gallery, or historical site. Some families choose to stay home and have a meal together, while others will go out for dinner at a restaurant.

 

 

Grandparents Day Worldwide