Fathers Day Traditions Around the World

man carrying son on shoulders for Father's Day

Whether they’re held on the same day or not, Father’s Day traditions from around the world are much more similar than you might think. Barbecues, gift-giving, and festive parties mark dad’s special day from coast to coast. Follow along as we highlight Father’s Day traditions in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and more!

How Did Father’s Day Start?

Sonora Smart Dodd is credited as the founder of Father’s Day, getting the idea while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day. Soon thereafter, on June 19, 1910, Dodd organized the first Father’s Day. It was to honor her widowed dad, who was a veteran of the Civil War and raised six kids. Back then, the first Father’s Day was celebrated at church with prayers and programs.

Why Do We Celebrate Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is celebrated around the world to honor the fathers who have sacrificed and worked hard to provide for their children. It’s a day to recognize dads for all they do to help raise children in a loving environment.

Father’s Day Traditions in the U.S.

Celebrated on the third Sunday in June, Father’s Day in the United States offers a variety of festivities. As a melting pot of cultures, families in the U.S. honor the day by spending quality time with dad, making him a special gift, or taking him out to enjoy the restaurants or places that he enjoys most. Children might create a thoughtful card for dad or make a picture frame for a family photo. It’s a day to recognize a father’s love and support.

Mexican Father’s Day Traditions

In Mexico, Father’s Day (Dia del Padre) is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. On Dia del Padre, families gather to celebrate dads, stepdads, uncles, grandfathers, and other father figures. A communal affair, the Mexican celebration of Father’s Day includes big parties complete with food, music, mariachis, dancing, and fun. In fact, Mexico City hosts one of its largest half-marathons on Father’s Day, Bosque de Tlalpan y Fhinix Sports.

German Father’s Day Traditions

Germany’s Father’s Day (Vatertag) falls on the fortieth day after Easter, on a Thursday. Because this day is also Ascension Day, it’s a public holiday, and people are off from school and work.

Men celebrate the day by taking a long hike through the countryside, pulling a wagon called a bollerwagen filled with food, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks to sustain them throughout their all-day adventure. A tradition rooted in history, this practice dates back to the Middle Ages, when fathers were paraded through their villages in a wagon and celebrated for having children—the dad with the most kids would even win a ham!

RELATED: Raise a Glass With These Sparkling Wines From Around the World

Canadian Father’s Day Customs

Much like the United States, Canada celebrates Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. A day to honor dad, families commemorate the day in their own unique way. Common activities for Father’s Day in Canada include going on hikes, eating out at dad’s favorite restaurant, hosting a barbecue, or spending the day outdoors. June temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities.

Brazilian Father’s Day Celebrations

Brazilians celebrate Father’s Day on the second Sunday in August. Father’s Day (Dia dos Pais) coincides with the feast day of Saint Joachim, who is the Catholic patron saint of fathers. Like many other customs, Brazilians honor dad with a barbecue, called a churrasco. As a top beef-producing country, Brazil is known for its barbecue. Hosting a churrasqueira or a festive BBQ gathering has long been a way to celebrate many different holidays, including Father’s Day.

LEARN MORE: Grill Maintenance 101

Japan Father’s Day Traditions

The date of Japanese Father’s Day varies year to year, but it’s always on the third Sunday of June. Known as Chichi No Hi, the day is dedicated to showing your dad how much you appreciate him. Instead of experiences, Japanese families traditionally commemorate Father’s Day by gifting dad something special, like a nice bottle of sake, a delicious cut of Wagyu steak, or a handmade present.

India’s Father’s Day Celebrations

Although it’s not a public holiday, many regions and metropolitan areas of India celebrate Father’s Day on the same day as the U.S. The customs are also similar. Fathers are typically treated to a sentimental gift, a thoughtfully created meal, or bonding time with their families. Some religious services may also include a Father’s Day shoutout, reciting a special prayer to honor the dads in attendance.

Thai Father’s Day Traditions

Father’s Day in Thailand occurs on December 5. December 5, 1927, marks the birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakkri Dynasty and Thailand’s longest-serving monarch. Thai Father’s Day commemorates the birth of the late king and honors all fathers in Thailand. Traditionally, children give their fathers a canna flower as a symbol of respect. People also wear yellow because King Bhumibol was born on a Monday, which is associated with the color.

Father and two daughters on Father's Day

Father’s Day & The Other June Holiday

For most countries, Father’s Day is celebrated in June, with observances that include barbecues, outdoor activities, and dining out. However, for Americans, it’s one of two holidays in June that are not federally recognized. The other non-federal holiday in June? Flag Day. Read “Why Americans Celebrate Flag Day Every June” to learn more about this unique holiday.

FAQs About Father’s Day

When is Father’s Day?

In the United States, Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday of June. This year, Father’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

What are some common Father’s Day traditions?

Common Father’s Day traditions include throwing a backyard barbecue, going out to eat as a family, giving dad a DIY gift, or calling dad if he lives far away.