From mariachis in Mexico to cemetery tributes in Peru, discover the unique and heartfelt ways Latin American countries honor mothers.
Mother’s Day Traditions Across Latin America
While specific customs vary, honoring mothers is a heartfelt and widespread tradition throughout Latin America.
Millions of families across Latin America honor their mothers every year with serenades, special meals, family gatherings, and heartfelt tributes. While many countries celebrate on the second Sunday in May like the United States, others have unique dates and traditions rooted in their cultural, religious, and historical backgrounds.
“Motherhood holds deep cultural significance across Latin America,” says Christine Gross-Loh, author of Parenting Without Borders. “Despite national differences, the role of mothers as the emotional and moral center of the family is universally recognized.”
Here’s a look at how seven countries in Latin America honor mothers in meaningful and festive ways:
- Mexico
In Mexico, Día de las Madres is celebrated on May 10, regardless of the day of the week. It became an official holiday in 1922, thanks to a campaign led by journalist Rafael Alducin to recognize mothers amid growing discussions around women’s roles in society.
The day begins with “Las Mañanitas”, a traditional serenade often accompanied by mariachis. Children sing to their mothers in the morning, and many schools host performances leading up to the day. Special masses are held, and families gather to enjoy home-cooked meals featuring dishes like mole poblano, tamales, or enchiladas.
- Peru
Peru celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, but the celebration often begins days in advance with festivals, school activities, and community events. A unique tradition in Peru is visiting cemeteries to honor deceased mothers and grandmothers, where families decorate graves with flowers, balloons, and candles, and share food in remembrance.
Street vendors often line the entrances of cemeteries selling floral arrangements and symbolic gifts, turning remembrance into a communal celebration of motherhood across generations.
- Guatemala
Guatemala also celebrates Día de la Madre on May 10. One of the most beloved traditions is waking mothers with live or recorded serenatas (serenades), sometimes performed by mariachi bands or marimba ensembles. Children prepare homemade gifts, and schools host recitals and dances.
Traditional dishes like pepian and tamales are served, and local churches hold special blessings for mothers during Mass.
- El Salvador
El Salvador celebrates on May 10, and it’s a national holiday, meaning most schools and businesses are closed so families can spend the day together. Schoolchildren often perform poetry and songs in advance of the date, and families treat mothers to meals out at restaurants or prepare feasts at home.
Gift-giving is common, including perfumes, clothing, and personalized crafts. Radio and TV stations air programming dedicated to mothers throughout the day.
- Bolivia
In Bolivia, Mother’s Day is observed on May 27, commemorating the women who died in the Battle of La Coronilla in 1812, where mothers defended their city from Spanish forces during the War of Independence. The date was declared an official holiday in 1927.
The day honors both the sacrifice and strength of mothers, with school assemblies, parades, and tributes. Flowers, cakes, and hand-written letters are common gifts, and it is a time to reflect on the role of women in shaping the nation’s history.
- Argentina
Argentina takes a different approach, celebrating Día de la Madre on the third Sunday in October, a tradition that originated with the Catholic calendar, though it remains popular today even in secular circles.
Families often come together for asado, the beloved Argentine barbecue, and children give small gifts and handwritten notes. Many Argentinians take the opportunity to travel home to see their mothers, making it one of the most family-centric holidays in the country.
- Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May, and it’s known for being a joyful, all-day affair. Extended families gather to honor not only mothers but grandmothers and matriarchs.
Radio stations play music dedicated to mothers, and businesses run special promotions. Traditional Dominican dishes like la bandera (rice, beans, and meat) are served, along with desserts like dulce de leche or habichuelas con dulce. It’s a time of love, reflection, and family unity.
From solemn cemetery tributes in Peru to patriotic parades in Bolivia, Mother’s Day in Latin America is about more than gifts—it’s about honoring resilience, love, and cultural heritage. Each country adds its unique flavor, but the central message remains the same: mothers are at the heart of family and national identity.
