Among other celebrations, Father’s Day is observed on March 19th, a tradition that originated in the early 20th century in the United States and coincides with Saint Joseph’s Day in Spain.
From the U.S. to the World, with Love
Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910 in the United States, thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a man she considered truly exceptional. A war veteran, he single-handedly raised his six children, including Sonora. As an expression of her love, gratitude, and admiration, she established this celebration.
Honoring Fathers Across Cultures
The spread of this celebration across multiple cultures and countries gave rise to various interpretations of Sonora’s intention. In Spain, the festivity coincides with and is linked to
Saint Joseph’s Day, celebrating the exemplary father of Christ. Family gatherings and gifts are customary on this day. In Germany, it aligns with Ascension Day and is often marked with outings and picnics. In other cultures, such as Thailand, the tribute to fatherhood takes place on the monarch’s birthday, where it’s traditional to present fathers with bouquets of yellow flowers, a color associated with royalty and rich in Buddhist symbolism.
Gifts Made with Love… and Creating Unforgettable Family Memories
In our culture, personalized gifts such as mugs with messages, engraved keychains, family photo albums, shared experiences, and family plans are excellent options. Among these, a must-do activity is a visit to our Iluziona Museum, an interactive immersion into the culture and history of Valencia, perfect for adults and children alike, and, above all, a wonderful family activity.
Exemplary Fathers from Culture and History
The stories of exemplary and famous fathers in history and popular culture are numerous. Among them are Joseph of Nazareth, Christ’s father, and Charlemagne, who carried on the legacy of his father, Pepin the Short—both influential paternal figures.
What Does It Mean to Be a Father Today? Modern Perspectives on Fatherhood
Nowadays, fatherhood is seen through a more participatory and emotional lens, moving away from its traditional role to adopt a more active presence in the upbringing and development of children. Moreover, the importance of expressing affection, empathy, and emotional support is increasingly valued, reflecting an evolution toward fatherhood models based on sentimentality and active presence. Ultimately, no better way to strengthen these
eternal bonds than through the creation of unique family experiences, nurtured with love and care.
