Panama celebrates Mother’s Day on December 8. It’s a day when people show just how much they love their mothers as well as other people who they consider mother figures. This day shares the same meaning as Mother’s Day, which is celebrated in various regions of the world. In Panama, Mother’s Day is a noteworthy holiday that many look forward to. People in Panama usually begin their celebrations with a trip to the church as a family. This is because the day coincides with the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
History of Mother’s Day in Panama
Mother’s Day is a national holiday in Panama. In the Roman Catholic Church, it is observed on December 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The wife of Panama’s then-President Florencio Harmodio Arosemena proposed the December 8 Mother’s Day event. The first December 8 celebration of Mother’s Day was observed in Panama in 1930.
Some other variants of the backstory claim that Mother’s Day was instituted in Panama by the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club proposed the Mother’s Day commemoration on May 11 each year in 1924. Nevertheless, Panamanian politicians changed the proposal so that Mother’s Day would be recognized on December 8.
A third version of the holiday’s back story suggests that Catholic Panamanians desired to make the Feast of the Immaculate Conception a national holiday but were met with opposition from representatives of the liberal population who desired to maintain the separation of church and state. The negotiated settlement they came up with was to celebrate Mother’s Day on December 8.
Regardless of which of these is true, Mother’s Day became a public holiday in Panama. Every Panamanian takes the opportunity to express their love, respect, and gratitude to the women who gave birth to them.
Mothers will receive gifts from their families on Mother’s Day, such as chocolates, cooking a traditional meal, flowers, or writing thank-you letters and poems. Many mothers will also be given the day off from housework, with other family members doing their usual chores.
Mother’s Day in Panama timeline
Mother's Day is observed for the first time in Panama on May 11.
Hercilia Arias Velásquez, the wife of the then-president of Panama Florencio Harmodio Arosemena, suggests the change of Mother’s Day from May 11 to December 8.
The first female Panama president, Mireya Moscoso, is elected and she goes on to preside for four years.
Mrs. Isabel Sain Malo becomes both the vice-president and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
An American romantic dramedy film titled “Mother’s Day” is released — the film tells the story of a group of people coming to terms with their relationships with their mothers.
Mother’s Day in Panama FAQs
Who invented the official Mother’s Day?
Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, created the official Mother’s Day.
Is Mother’s Day held on the same day across the world?
No, Mother’s Day is held on different preferred dates in countries around the world. However, most of it falls on a Sunday.
What specific gifts can I get my mum?
There’s no rule for this, as gifts depend on how much you can afford. Most importantly, make sure it’s coming from a sincere heart.
How To Celebrate Mother’s Day in Panama
Take your mother for a treat
This is a perfect day to give your mother or mother figure a proper treat. Whether it’s to a spa, a show, the mall, or to dinner, take her out and help her have a memorable day.
Get her gifts
You can decide to take her shopping or buy her gifts you know she’ll love. This is a gesture she’ll definitely value and appreciate.
Write her a heartfelt letter of appreciation
Words go a long way in expressing gratitude. Take time to write a sincere letter to appreciate your mother for the many years of care, and you will be doing something she’ll always remember.
5 Facts About Panama That Will Interest You
It has old history
The isthmus of Panama was formed about 3 million years ago when the land bridge between North and South America finally became complete.
Largely populated by Catholics
Panama was inhabited by Catholic Spanish immigrants since the early 1500s, and presently around 70% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic.
First Coca-Cola customers outside the U.S.
It was the first country outside of the United States in which Coca-Cola was sold.
The ancient railroad
Panama is home to the oldest-known functioning railroad.
Wonders abound
The Panama Canal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Why We Love Mother’s Day in Panama
Gives mothers their well-deserved appreciation
It is a special day to celebrate our mothers and it prompts us all to take time out to honor and appreciate them for all they do.
Rekindles love in our hearts
For those with fragile relationships with their mothers, due to whatever reason, this day helps rekindle any lost love. The coming together and gestures will surely have a positive effect.
They are the true heroes of the world
Without compensation, credit, or barely any gratitude, mothers do anything they can to help their kids become the people they need to be. They are frequently the unsung heroes in nearly every success story. This holiday is an opportunity to shower them with love.
Mother’s Day in Panama dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 8 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 8 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 8 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 8 | Friday |
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