How Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, and where to experience it

Mother’s Day might feel like just a fixed date on the calendar, marked by a card and a bunch of flowers. But in some parts of the world, Mother’s Day looks totally different.

Not only does the date itself vary, but the contrasting traditions may surprise you. In some countries, Mother’s Day is a quiet, family-centered tradition, while in others, it’s a vibrant cultural event.

Get ready for a cultural tour of how mothers are celebrated around the world, and the most inspiring countries to visit with your mom. 

While you probably won’t be planning a last-minute trip this week, think of this as the starting point, an idea you can share or a destination you can suggest this Sunday.

Mother’s Day isn’t the same date everywhere in the world

While you may associate Mother’s Day with May, throughout the world, the holiday is celebrated on various dates, from March to November:

May is not just the most common month to celebrate Mother’s Day; it’s also one of the best months for international travel. As it’s shoulder season in many parts of the world, there are many affordable destinations to visit in May, from Europe to Central America to Asia.

The most extraordinary Mother’s Day traditions worth knowing about

While every country has its own special way to celebrate Mother’s Day, these 5 countries’ traditions are the most fascinating.

México (Día de las Madres)

Unlike many countries where Mother’s Day always falls on a Sunday, Mexico has a fixed celebration on May 10 every year. And here, it’s not a passing date on the calendar, but a major event, often even larger than Christmas. 

The day typically starts with children waking their mothers by singing the traditional song “Las Mañanitas.” However, some families go so far as hiring mariachi bands or trios to serenade them in the early morning.

Giving flowers, particularly roses and marigolds, is a big deal in Mexico. In fact, you will see flower markets in every city in full bloom at this time of year. Food is just as important, as families gather for long meals either at home or at a restaurant (many places are fully booked on May 10).

Ethiopia (Antrosht)

Ethiopia has one of the most unique Mother’s Day traditions, as the weather determines the date. It typically happens at the end of the rainy season (sometime between October and November). 

Another unique thing is that, unlike the rest of the world, Mother’s Day is not a one-day holiday. Instead, it’s a three-day harvest festival centered on family and food. 

Traditionally, daughters bring their mothers spices, vegetables, butter, and cheese, while sons bring meat. Together, the family prepares a traditional hash meal, and the day is filled with singing, dancing, and storytelling. 

Japan (Haha no Hi)

Mother’s Day in Japan is a quiet, private family gathering that feels entirely distinct from the commercialized version in the West. Rather than going to a restaurant, the day is spent at home, and families cook egg-based dishes like tamagoyaki (a rolled omelet) or oyakodon (a chicken-and-egg bowl).

Children give their moms one very specific flower: red carnations, which symbolize affection and admiration. At school, children draw portraits of their mothers, and at home, they help around the house to show their appreciation.

France (La Fête des Mères)

While many European countries celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10, France marks the occasion on the last Sunday in May to align with the season of fertility. 

Flowers are the most common Mother’s Day gift in France, and many young children make gifts at school, such as drawings. Families typically gather for a long Sunday Lunch or a relaxed breakfast in bed, consisting of artisan patisseries and champagne. 

Middle East (Eid al-Omm)

In much of the Arab world, including the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, Mother’s Day is celebrated around the spring equinox on March 21. Here, it’s a very quiet day centered on family, with deep cultural significance.

The Middle East began celebrating Mother’s Day in the 1950s, as a day to honor and respect all mothers in Arab culture. The occasion echoes the Islamic sentiment: “Paradise is beneath mother’s feet.”

If you enjoy discovering how different cultures mark the same occasion, the variety in Easter traditions around the world is equally surprising. For example, in Sweden, children dress up as witches, and in Greece, people celebrate by throwing clay pots.

Gifting your mom an overseas getaway? Practical things to know before you go

Has learning about these unique traditions inspired you to give your mom an international trip for Mother’s Day? 

While there’s not enough time to go away this weekend, it’s still possible to arrange a last-minute trip for the end of the month.

• Europe: Late May is an ideal time to visit Europe as it’s the last month for shoulder season travel. Flight prices remain very reasonable throughout May, though they increase in June, ahead of summer. 
• Japan: If you’re planning a trip to Japan (particularly Kyoto) and want to stay in a traditional ryokan, know that these can fill up months in advance.
• Mexico: Travel demand increases around May 10 for Mother’s Day, but drops again towards the end of the month. So late May is actually a great time to enjoy the culture without worrying about accommodation availability.
• France: As La Fête des Mères is on May 31, there is still plenty of time to plan a trip for this period. At this time of year, France is at its most beautiful, with warm, sunny weather and minimal crowds. France is also full of renowned spa destinations that are ideal for Mother’s Day.

Make the plan now, take the trip later

With Mother’s Day just two days ago, this article is purely for inspiration. While it can be nice to spend Mother’s Day in one of these destinations, you can experience these cultural traditions any time of the year.

So this Sunday, why not start the conversation with your mom about taking an upcoming trip together? Even without a booking confirmation or flight tickets, simply verbally expressing the idea is a meaningful gift.

And when you are ready to book, being flexible with your travel dates will allow you to find the best deals. For example, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly, with flights on these days more than half the price of those on the weekend. 

The easiest part of planning her perfect escape

When you’re ready to turn the idea into reality, having a reliable internet connection will ensure your trip runs smoothly.

With a Holafly eSIM, you get instant, unlimited data in over 200 destinations worldwide, so you and your mom can focus on the experience, not the logistics. Simply install it before you go and activate on arrival—no physical SIM required.

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Michaela Park

Travel & Events Writer

Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.<br aria-hidden="true" />I'm also the founder of <a href="https://search-seoul.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Search SEOul</a>, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.

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