What could be more natural than celebrating a day devoted to dads? Mother’s Day has existed since 1928, so why not have a Father’s Day, too? These days, both parents play an active role in bringing up their children. As for children, the day is a chance to show their love for their dad by giving him a present or writing him a poem, for example.
But how did Father’s Day begin in France? Well, it all started with a famous brand of lighter in the 1950s, which came up with the idea to market its latest product. So you see, the motivation behind it was somewhat commercial...
Not every country has chosen the same date. In Germany, Father’s Day (or Vatertag) is celebrated on Ascension Day. Our friends across the Alpine mountains have opted for St. Joseph’s Day. In addition, sometimes Father’s Day is considered a public holiday, and sometimes not. In France, the day falls on the third Sunday in June, just as it does in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. In Brazil, dads are celebrated on the second Sunday in August, while in Russia, it’s 23 February and in Italy, 19 March. So, at the very least, we can say that the dates vary enormously.
For Festa del Papa in Italy, people prepare a St. Joseph doughnut – a tasty treat covered with cream and jam. In the US, the custom is for employees who wear a suit to work to leave their ties at home on the Friday before Father’s Day, just to be more relaxed.
But I’m forgetting the most important point: what gift should you give? A watch, skin care products, fragrance, a tie, an electric razor, a wallet, a belt, some DIY equipment (à faire soi-même in French) – the choices are endless. It all depends on the personality and likes of each person. The main thing is to make sure that your gift is personal. If you’d like to give an original and unforgettable gift, consider our French language school in Antibes on the Côte d’Azur. It offers a unique opportunity to learn French in France while taking advantage of the clear blue Mediterranean at the same time. See you soon in Antibes!
About the Centre International d'Antibes
