When is Father’s Day? A Global Celebration of Fathers
People around the world celebrate Father’s Day on different dates, making it one of the most universal celebrations.
Whether you’re planning a thoughtful gift or simply looking to honor your dad, it’s important to know when this special day falls.
Let’s dive into the different dates and customs around the globe, starting with the United States and the UK, where Father’s Day is widely celebrated on the third Sunday in June. However, many other countries have their own traditions and dates for celebrating fathers.
A History of Father’s Day
Father’s Day traces its roots back centuries, but it was in the early 20th century that the modern celebration began to take shape.
The first known Father’s Day in the US was proposed by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1910, inspired by her own father, a widower who raised six children on his own.
Dodd envisioned a day to honor her father’s dedication, inspired by the way Mother’s Day honors mothers.
It became a national holiday in the US in 1972, thanks to President Richard Nixon.
Why Do We Celebrate Father’s Day?
Father’s Day is more than just a day for giving gifts—it’s about recognizing the important role fathers play in our lives.
Over the years, the day became a way to honor not only fathers but also the paternal figures in society—whether biological fathers, stepfathers, or mentors.
In modern times, Father’s Day is a way to show appreciation for all the sacrifices fathers make, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of family bonds.
Whether it’s through heartfelt messages or a simple hug, Father’s Day is a day to express gratitude for the unwavering support and love fathers provide.
When is Father’s Day 2026?
In the United Kingdom, Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 15th June.The date changes slightly each year; however, it always falls on the third Sunday in June.
This timing also aligns with Father’s Day observances in many other countries, including the United States, making it a globally celebrated occasion.
Why is Father’s Day Different Dates
The date for Father’s Day is most commonly on the third Sunday in June, which was a tradition that originated from the US. However, globally this day falls on different dates due to many reasons, such as religion, traditions, seasons and so on.
How is Father’s Day Celebrated Around the World?
People celebrate in different ways based on their culture and local traditions. Here are just a few examples of how different countries mark the occasion:
| Date | Country/Region | Traditions |
| March 19 | Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia | Observed as Saint Joseph’s Day honoring fatherhood. Public holiday in some regions of Spain. |
| April/May | Kazakhstan | Defender of the Fatherland Day: A men’s day that serves as a form of Father’s Day, celebrating men and fathers. |
| May 8 | South Korea | Celebrated as Parents’ Day combining both , with carnations given. |
| June 5-21 | Many countries (Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria) | Third Sunday in June widely observed. Celebrated with family meals, outings, and gifts. |
| June 16 | Seychelles | Celebrated on Father’s Day, but not a public holiday. Families gather and honor fathers. |
| June 19 | Mozambique, Bolivia | Celebrated with gift-giving and family celebrations. |
| First Sunday of September | Australia, New Zealand | Observed in spring. Traditionally involves family gatherings and BBQs. |
| August 8 | Taiwan | Celebrated as Bābā Holiday (Dad’s Day) as the 8th day of the 8th month sounds like “Dad”. |
| December 5 | Thailand | Father’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with public celebrations and flowers. |
| November 12 | Indonesia | Celebrated on Father’s Day, a newer holiday declared in 2006. |
| Third Sunday of June | USA, UK, Canada, India, Mexico, Colombia, South Sudan, Philippines, Poland | Widely celebrated with gifts, cards, and family time. A common tradition involves spending quality time with fathers. |
| Second Sunday of June | Belgium, Finland, Estonia, Sweden | Observed on a national level, often involving outdoor activities, family gatherings, or church services. |
Wish a Happy Father’s Day in Over 20 Different Languages
Here’s how to say Happy Father’s Day in 27 Different Languages.
| Language | Translation |
| Arabic | عيد أبٍ سعيداً! |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Feliz dia dos pais! |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 祝你父亲节快乐！(zhù nǐ fù qīn jié kuài lè) |
| Dutch | Vrolijke vaderdag |
| English | Happy Father’s Day! |
| Estonian | õnnelik Isadepäev |
| Finnish | Hyvää isänpäivää |
| French | Bonne fête des pères! |
| German | Alles Gute zum Vatertag! |
| Greek | Χαρούμενη ημέρα του πατέρα |
| Indonesian | Selamat hari ayah |
| Irish | Lá na nAthaireacha faoi shona daoibh |
| Italian | Buona festa del papà! |
| Japanese | 父の日おめでとう (Chichi no hi omedetou) |
| Korean | 어버이 날을 축하합니다 (Happy Parent’s Day – South Korea) |
| Polish | Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji Dnia Ojca |
| Russian | С днём отца! |
| Spanish | Feliz día del padre |
| Swedish | Trevlig farsdag |
| Turkish | Babalar gününüz kutlu olsun |
| Welsh | Sul y tadau hapus |
| Hindi | पिता दिवस की शुभकामनाएँ (Pita Divas Ki Shubhkamnaye) |
| Bengali | শুভ বাবা দিবস (Shubho Baba Dibosh) |
| Portuguese (Portugal) | Feliz Dia do Pai |
| Romanian | La mulți ani de Ziua Tatălui |
| Thai | สุขสันต์วันพ่อ (Suk san wan phor) |
| Vietnamese | Chúc mừng Ngày của Cha |
Conclusion: Celebrating Fathers Everywhere
Father’s Day is a global celebration of fatherhood, a day when people from different countries and cultures come together to honor the fathers and father figures in their lives.
Whether you’re in the UK, USA, Brazil, or Japan, the spirit of Father’s Day remains the same: a heartfelt tribute to the love, care, and guidance that fathers provide.