BTN News: Every year on July 26th, Argentina and many other countries celebrate Grandparents Day. This special day is for everyone who has the joy of being a grandparent, whether by blood or by heart. It is a time to honor the important role grandparents play in caring for and teaching children in families. Many people use this day to visit their grandparents, say kind words, and give them gifts. This makes the day full of love and appreciation.
In Argentina, there are extra days to celebrate grandparents. Grandfathers are celebrated on the third Sunday of August. Grandmothers have their day on the second Sunday of November. These days give more chances to show thanks and celebrate the wisdom and love that grandparents share with us.
The Religious Roots of Grandparents Day Connect to Saints Joachim and Anne
The start of Grandparents Day has a religious history. It matches with the feasts of Saints Joachim and Anne, who were the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Their stories are not in the Bible, but the Protoevangelium of James tells about Joachim praying and fasting in the desert after being mocked for not having children. Anne, whose name means “Grace,” was sad because she had no children. An angel came to her and promised that she would have a child who would be famous. This child was Mary, the mother of Jesus. Because of their place in Jesus’ family, Saints Joachim and Anne are the patron saints of grandparents.
This celebration was started by the group Mensajeros de la Paz in 1998. Since then, it has spread to many parts of the world. The main goal is to celebrate grandparents, who often take care of children when parents cannot.
Grandparents Day is Celebrated in Many Countries on July 26th
Many countries with strong Catholic traditions celebrate Grandparents Day on July 26th. This includes Spain, Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. These countries honor grandparents for their important role in families and society.
Other countries have different days to celebrate grandparents. In the United States, National Grandparents Day is on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Some countries have a similar celebration called the Day of the Elderly, but the date varies.
When is Children’s Day in Argentina and Why is it Important?
Another big celebration in Argentina is Children’s Day, also called Día de las Infancias. This day focuses on the importance of children in society and supports their well-being, education, and growth. It is usually celebrated on the third Sunday of August, and this year it will be on August 18th. For many years, Children’s Day was on the second Sunday of August, but it was moved to the following weekend.
On Children’s Day, families in Argentina celebrate children by giving them gifts and enjoying special activities. It is a day full of tradition and joy, showing how much the country values and cares for its children.
Celebrations Like Grandparents Day and Children’s Day Highlight Family Importance
Celebrations like Grandparents Day and Children’s Day show how important family bonds are. They highlight the roles that grandparents and children play in families. These days are not just about giving gifts, but about appreciating the love and care that grandparents and children give. They remind us to value our loved ones, build strong relationships, and honor family traditions.
As we celebrate these special days, we should think about the love, wisdom, and guidance that grandparents provide, and the bright future for our children. These celebrations remind us of the strong family connections that shape our lives and our communities.
