México celebrates little ones across the country on April 30. In 1925, President Álvaro Obregón and Public Education Minister José Vasconcelos declared "El Día del Niño” as an official Mexican tradition and holiday.
The Mexican culture was one of the first around the world to dedicate a whole day to children. Other countries picked up on the celebration years later when the Declaration of the Rights of the Child was proclaimed by the General Assembly Resolution 1386 on November 20, 1959. This day is now known as Universal Children’s Day.
Mexican Children's Day and Universal Children’s Day follow the same line of thought: “A day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children and a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.”
Here are 7 things you should know about “El Día del Niño” in México:
1) It is a national observance in México.
2) It has been celebrated in México since 1925.
3) Children do not get the day off from school.
4) Schools host special events inviting parents to celebrate with them during school hours. Some activities include: music festivals, face painting, story-telling, art workshops, and contests.
5) During this day, children are recognized as an important part of society so the day focuses on the importance of loving, accepting and appreciating children.
6) Some schools ask children to bring toys, candy or other presents, to make less fortunate children happy on this day. They also encourage them to donate to charities, such as those that support orphanages.
7) Other Latin countries also have a special date to celebrate children:
Argentina – Second Sunday in August
Bolivia – April 12
Brasil – October 12
Chile – Second Sunday in August
Colombia – Last Saturday in April
Costa Rica – September 9
Cuba – Third Sunday in July
Ecuador – June 1
El Salvador – October 1
España – April 15
Guatemala – October 1
Honduras – September 10
Nicaragua – June 1
Paraguay – August 16
Panamá – Third Sunday in July
Perú – Third Sunday in August
Uruguay – Second Sunday in August
Venezuela – Third Sunday in July
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