Father’s Day: discover the different celebration dates in Brazil and around the world
In Brazil, the celebration of Father’s Day takes place annually on the second Sunday of August. In 2026, for example, the celebration is scheduled for August 9th. Despite being a time of great commercial activity and family union, Brazilian legislation does not consider it a national holiday, which means that there are no optional points or changes to labor rules.
Choosing the second Sunday in August causes the date to vary each year on the calendar. However, this alternation does not interfere with the working hours of public bodies or work obligations.
More on this story: 100 exclusive phrases to honor on Father’s Day
The story behind the Brazilian celebration and its change of calendar
The introduction of the celebration of Father’s Day in Brazil is credited to the American advertiser Sylvio Bhering, who brought the idea to the country in 1953. Initially, the date chosen for the honor was August 16th. This choice was linked to Saint Joachim’s Day, a figure recognized by Catholic tradition as the father of Mary, mother of Jesus.
As time passed, the celebration was briefly moved to July 26th. However, it was the second Sunday in August that was definitively established as the official date to honor parents throughout the country.
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Origin of the tribute in the United States: the role of Sonora Smart Dodd
The idea of a day dedicated to fathers has its origins attributed to the American Sonora Smart Dodd. In 1909, after attending a service in honor of Mother’s Day, she felt the need to recognize the effort and dedication of her own father, William Jackson Smart, a veteran of the United States Civil War who raised his six children alone.
The first celebration took place in Spokane, Washington state, with the support of local religious leaders. The following year, the United States promoted the first official celebration on June 19, William Jackson Smart’s birthday. Later, in 1972, during the government of President Richard Nixon, the date was officially recognized as a national holiday in the United States, and was celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
Discover the different dates on which other countries celebrate Father’s Day
The celebration of Father’s Day does not follow a single pattern globally, varying significantly between countries. While Brazil adopts the second Sunday of August, several nations have chosen different periods in their calendars to honor parents. Discover some of the most common dates around the world:
- Portugal, Spain and Italy:In these countries, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19, a date that coincides with Saint Joseph’s Day, a father figure in Christian tradition.
- United States and United Kingdom:In these nations, the tribute takes place on the third Sunday of June, following the tradition that solidified from the Sonora Smart Dodd initiative.
- South Korea:In South Korea, the month of May is dedicated to celebrating parents, on a date that often also includes Children’s Day and other family members.
- Germany:In Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated on Jesus’ Ascension Day, a Christian festival that occurs forty days after Easter, usually in May. It is known as “Herrentag” (Gentlemen’s Day) or “Vatertag” (Father’s Day).
- Australia and New Zealand:These southern hemisphere countries celebrate Father’s Day on the first Sunday in September.
- Russia:In Russia, Defenders of the Fatherland Day, on February 23, functions as an equivalent to Father’s Day, honoring all men.
Importance of the date: why is Father’s Day not a national holiday in Brazil?
In Brazil, despite its great popularity and the economic impact it generates annually, Father’s Day does not appear on the list of official national holidays. This decision is based on legislation that defines which dates are considered mandatory holidays. The celebration is, therefore, a civic and commercial date, without changing work or study routines. The absence of a holiday status allows the celebration to adapt to family and business dynamics, keeping commerce buoyant and families together on weekends in August.
