Father's Day is celebrated in a number of European countries, with different dates and traditions than what is celebrate in the USA. In this blog post, we will take a look at Father's Day across a few countries in Europe.
In Spain, Italy and Portugal, Father's Day is celebrated on March 19th, which is the Feast of St. Joseph who is the patron saint of fathers. On this day, many families will attend church together and then enjoy a special meal at home or in a restaurant.
In Germany, Father's Day is celebrated on the same date as Ascension Day. This is a religious holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. Families typically spend time together on this day, and many fathers will receive gifts from their children.
Across Scandinavia, the tradition of a Father's Day was adopted in the 1930s. Originally the American date was used, but in 1949 the Nordic countries decided to move it to the second Sunday in November. This was partly to place it closer to Christmas, when many people are already buying gifts for their loved ones. In Scandinavia, Father's Day is a day for fathers and father figures to relax and enjoy some time off from work or other responsibilities. Many families will spend time together, often enjoying a special meal or going for a hike or other outdoor activity.
So there you have it - Father's Day across Europe! Whether you celebrate on March 19th, Ascension Day, or the second Sunday in November, make sure to show your dad how much you appreciate him. And if you're looking for a unique Father's Day gift, why not consider a trip to one of these beautiful European countries? Your dad is sure to love it!
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Happy Father's Day!
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