Lorraine Williamson
In Spain, Father´s Day falls on March 19, coinciding with the Catholic feast of Saint Joseph (San José), recognised as the father of Jesus. Unlike the UK, where Father’s Day is observed in June, Spain follows a religious tradition that dates back to 1948. That year, a teacher in Madrid’s Dehesa de la Villa organised a tribute for fathers at her school, choosing March 19 to honour Saint Joseph as a model of Christian fatherhood.
Spain is not alone in this tradition. Portugal, Italy, and Morocco also mark Father’s Day on March 19. Meanwhile, many other countries, including the UK, celebrate it on the third Sunday of June.
The Feast of Saint Joseph
The Feast of Saint Joseph is an important Catholic celebration honouring the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. As the patron saint of workers and fathers, he is revered for his role as a protector and provider. In Spain, particularly in Valencia, the feast is marked by the Fallas festival, a fantastic celebration featuring parades, fireworks, and the burning of large sculptures. Across Catholic communities, churches hold special masses, and some regions prepare traditional foods such as buñuelos de viento, a type of fried pastry.
Is March 19 a public holiday in Spain?
Historically, March 19 was an official holiday across Spain. However, in 2025, it is considered an optional holiday, meaning it is not a guaranteed day off nationwide. Some regions, such as the Valencian Community and Murcia, still observe it as a public holiday. Other areas may decide independently whether to include it in their holiday calendar.
How other countries celebrate Father’s Day
Globally, Father’s Day is marked on different dates. Many countries, including the UK, the United States, and France, observe it on the third Sunday of June. In 2025, this falls on June 15.
In Latin America, the date varies. Uruguay and the Dominican Republic, for example, celebrate Father’s Day on entirely different days.
When is Mother’s Day in Spain?
In Spain, Mother’s Day, known as Día de la Madre, is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. It is an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate mothers across the country.
In contrast, the UK follows an older tradition. Mother’s Day, often called Mothering Sunday, is linked to Christian observances and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter. This connection to the church calendar explains why its date changes each year.
A common misconception that I had thought was true, is that Mother’s Day in the UK is celebrated nine months after Father’s Day, linking it symbolically to pregnancy. However, apparently, this is purely coincidental. The dates are unrelated—Mothering Sunday is based on religious tradition, while Father’s Day follows a modern, secular pattern originating in the United States. In 2025, UK Mother’s Day falls on March 30.