Mother’s Day may be celebrated on different dates depending on where you are, but the intention behind it stays the same. It is about recognizing care, effort, and the kind of love that shows up every day. What makes it even more interesting is how each culture expresses that appreciation differently, shaped by history, traditions, and the way families come together. Check out how the celebration differs around the world.
If you look closer, each country not only celebrates it differently, but even calls it something unique, sometimes with certain cities or regions known for celebrating it in a bigger or more noticeable way.
United States
Mother’s Day in the United States is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It has grown into one of the most widely observed family occasions in the country.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
Cities across the country are known for packed restaurants, curated brunch menus, and large-scale dining experiences during the day.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Many families begin the day by preparing breakfast in bed, especially for moms with younger children, as a simple but meaningful way to let them rest and feel appreciated from the start of the day
- Brunch has become a major part of the celebration, with restaurants fully booked and menus centered around comforting, familiar dishes that feel both special and easy
- Flowers and greeting cards are commonly given, often paired with personal messages that reflect appreciation and gratitude
- The entire day is usually planned so that mothers are free from their usual responsibilities, whether through shared chores or meals prepared by other family members
Mexico
In Mexico, Día de las Madres is celebrated every May 10, regardless of which day of the week it falls on, and is considered one of the most important and lively family celebrations of the year.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
In Mexico City, the celebration is especially vibrant, with public serenades, events, and restaurants filled from morning until night.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- The day often begins early with children or family members waking mothers up through songs, sometimes even with live mariachi serenades that set the tone for the celebration
- Schools organize performances where children sing and honor their mothers, making the celebration feel both personal and community-driven
- Families gather for large, festive meals featuring traditional dishes like mole, tamales, and pozole, which are prepared in generous portions for sharing
- The atmosphere throughout the day is lively and expressive, filled with music, laughter, and continuous interaction rather than quiet moments
Japan
In Japan, Mother’s Day or Haha no Hi is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, with a strong focus on quiet appreciation and thoughtful gestures.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
In cities like Tokyo, department stores and markets are filled with carnation displays and curated gift selections leading up to the day.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Red carnations are traditionally given as a symbol of love, strength, and respect, making them one of the most recognizable parts of the celebration
- Children often create handmade gifts such as drawings or letters, which are valued more for the effort and sincerity behind them
- Families prepare meals at home based on the mother’s favorite dishes, turning the act of cooking into a thoughtful and intentional gesture
- It is also common for children to help with household chores for the day, reflecting a deeper cultural value of showing gratitude through actions
France
La Fête des Mères in France is usually celebrated on the last Sunday of May and centers around family time, small gestures, and shared meals.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
In Paris, bakeries and pastry shops highlight special desserts and cakes designed specifically for the occasion.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Families gather for relaxed lunches or dinners where the focus is on spending time together rather than organizing elaborate events
- Children present handmade gifts, often created in school, which adds a personal and sentimental touch to the day
- Cakes and desserts are a highlight, sometimes designed to resemble flowers or decorated in a way that reflects the occasion
- Gifts are usually small and thoughtful, reinforcing the idea that effort and intention matter more than scale
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, officially called 'Mothering Sunday,' is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent, usually in March, and has historical roots tied to church traditions before evolving into a modern celebration.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
In London, restaurants and hotels offer traditional Sunday roast experiences and afternoon teas designed specifically for Mothering Sunday.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Families gather for a traditional Sunday roast, making the meal a central part of the day and an opportunity to spend time together
- Simnel cake, a fruitcake layered with marzipan, is commonly served and carries historical significance tied to the occasion
- Flowers and greeting cards are widely given as tokens of appreciation
- Many families spend the day visiting relatives or hosting at home, creating a slower and more intimate celebration
Thailand
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12 in honor of Queen Sirikit, making it both a personal and national occasion.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
In Bangkok, large-scale ceremonies, public gatherings, and illuminated streets make the celebration more visible and widely shared.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Jasmine flowers are given as they symbolize pure and unconditional maternal love, making them a meaningful and widely recognized gift
- Public ceremonies and candle-lighting events are organized across the country, blending formal recognition with personal appreciation
- Schools hold performances where children express gratitude through songs and tributes
- The day carries a sense of respect and formality while still being deeply personal within families
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, the Antrosht festival is a multi-day celebration held after the rainy season, focusing on family reunion and honoring mothers through shared traditions.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
Celebrations are especially strong in regions like Amhara Region, where traditional practices are preserved more closely.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Families travel long distances to come together, emphasizing the importance of presence and connection
- Sons traditionally bring meat while daughters bring vegetables and spices, contributing to a shared meal prepared as a group
- Cooking is done together, turning meal preparation into a meaningful and collaborative activity
- Singing, dancing, and storytelling are part of the celebration, creating a lively and engaging environment
Philippines
In the Philippines, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and is widely embraced as a day for expressing appreciation in both personal and public ways.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
In Manila, malls, restaurants, and hotels are filled with promotions, family gatherings, and special dining experiences throughout the day.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Families often plan meals outside, making restaurants particularly busy, while others cook at home to give moms a full day of rest
- Social media becomes a major part of the celebration, filled with long, heartfelt messages, photos, and tributes shared throughout the day
- Gifts range from flowers and cakes to practical items, depending on what feels most meaningful
- The celebration is inclusive, recognizing not just mothers but also anyone who has taken on a nurturing role in someone’s life
Italy
In Italy, Festa della Mamma is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and reflects the country’s deep connection to food, family, and shared time.
Where it’s celebrated in a bigger way:
In cities like Rome and Florence, restaurants and local markets highlight seasonal dishes, desserts, and flowers, making the celebration feel more vibrant and visible.
Additional ways it’s celebrated:
- Families gather for long, unhurried lunches that often extend into the afternoon, making the meal the center of the day rather than just a part of it
- Dishes are usually homemade or thoughtfully chosen, focusing on quality ingredients and familiar recipes that bring comfort
- Desserts and pastries are an important part of the table, often prepared specifically for the occasion
- Flowers, especially azaleas, are commonly given, but the emphasis remains on spending time together rather than giving grand gifts
- The overall pace of the day is slower and more intentional, allowing families to fully enjoy the experience of being together
Looking across all these traditions, one thing becomes very clear. Food is almost always part of how people express appreciation. Whether it is a quiet breakfast, a shared lunch, or a full gathering, cooking and eating together becomes a way to make gratitude feel real.
As Mother’s Day gets closer, it is worth thinking about how you want to celebrate. It does not have to be complicated. Sometimes, preparing a meal, setting the table, or simply making time can already mean more than expected.
