Every year, Mother’s Day presents an opportunity for people across the globe to honour the remarkable women who shape families and communities. Although the core sentiment—love, gratitude, and appreciation—remains the same, the way different cultures mark this day is delightfully diverse. From week-long festivals in South America to centuries-old customs in Britain, Mother’s Day is a testament to the importance of family bonds and the creative ways in which people express their affection.
PERU: A WEEK OF HONOUR, PERFORMANCES AND REMEMBRANCE
Peru transforms Mother’s Day into a week-long celebration, filled with heartfelt tributes and spirited gatherings. From the first days of May, families begin planning festive get-togethers, with members often travelling considerable distances to be reunited.
Festivities include music, poetry readings, and children’s performances dedicated to mothers. A distinguishing Peruvian tradition also sees families visiting cemeteries, where colourful flowers are laid on the graves of mothers and grandmothers who have passed away. The cemeteries become lively places themselves, with entire families coming together to honour the memories of loved ones through song, prayer, and stories.
The emphasis is not only on appreciation of living mothers, but also on respect for the matriarchs who shaped the community’s values. This emotional richness lends Mother’s Day in Peru a unique, intergenerational significance.
ETHIOPIA: A THREE-DAY FEAST OF FAMILY AND GRATITUDE
In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated with a splash of colour, music, and plenty of vibrant flavours. Known as Antrosht, this three-day festival takes place at the end of the rainy season, turning into a highly anticipated family reunion. Adult children make their way home, often from distant cities, to gather with their mothers and relatives.
The celebration centres around a communal meal, with each family member bringing specific ingredients to the household. Typically, daughters provide butter, cheese, and vegetables, while sons contribute meat. Together, the family collaborates to prepare a sumptuous traditional stew called "hash," which is then shared amongst all present.
Beyond the culinary delights, Antrosht is filled with joyful singing, storytelling, and dancing. It’s a lively affair that cements the powerful role mothers play in Ethiopian society, leaving both young and old with cherished memories and a deepened sense of togetherness.
JAPAN: BLOOMS, GIFTS, AND SIMPLE GESTURES OF LOVE
In Japan, Mother’s Day—or Haha no Hi—is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, as it is in many Western countries. Japanese families approach the day with an emphasis on respect and quiet expressions of affection.
A signature gesture is the gifting of red carnations, symbolising purity, sweetness, and endurance—all qualities attributed to mothers. Children of all ages present their mothers with these bright flowers, often together with hand-drawn cards or small, personally crafted gifts.
Some families prepare homemade dishes such as tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) or miso soup, adding a culinary touch to their heartfelt gratitude. While the celebration is generally understated, it resonates with meaningful affection, blending traditional values with contemporary customs.
MEXICO: MAY'S MUSICAL SERENADE AND FESTIVE CHEER
Few countries celebrate Mother’s Day quite as joyfully as Mexico. Each year on the 10th of May, cities and towns across the nation buzz with excitement. In true Mexican fashion, the day is marked by music, food, and extended family gatherings.
One of the most cherished traditions is the serenading of mothers with the song “Las Mañanitas.” Whether performed by professional mariachis or family members themselves, this special song is sung at daybreak, ensuring mothers wake to a heartfelt melody and feel especially loved.
Families typically organise lavish lunches featuring home-cooked delicacies, with restaurants packed to the brim as everyone seizes the occasion to treat their mothers. Even schools get involved, with children rehearsing special songs and performances timed for the big day. Across generations, Mother’s Day in Mexico remains a vibrant declaration of love, admiration, and gratitude.
UNITED KINGDOM: THE TIME-HONOURED MOTHERING SUNDAY
Across the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday provides an opportunity to connect with traditions that date back centuries. Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it began as a religious observance when people returned to their ‘mother’ church. Over time, it evolved into a day for honouring one’s own mother, becoming what we now recognise as Mother’s Day.
On Mothering Sunday, families often come together, sometimes travelling long distances to be with their mothers. Children commonly present flowers and sweets, while special church services pay tribute to maternal figures. The gift of a Simnel cake—a light, fruit-filled cake topped with marzipan—remains a popular choice, hearkening back to the day’s historical roots.
The spirit of the occasion is still firmly rooted in love and gratitude. Handmade cards, breakfast in bed, and springtime bouquets all help to make mothers feel treasured and appreciated.
From lavish feasts in Ethiopian homes to the melodic serenades echoing through Mexican streets, Mother’s Day is a vibrant, global celebration of the women who inspire, nurture and support us. Each tradition reflects the values and personality of its culture, but the heartfelt affection remains universal—a reminder that the role of mothers is cherished everywhere, in unique and memorable ways.