In Colombia, Father’s Day is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of June, coinciding with many countries across the American continent. This special day is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the role of fathers, their place in the family, and their influence in shaping the values and principles of their children. Although it does not have Colombian origins, the celebration has been warmly embraced by families throughout the country.
In 2025, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 15—a date already marked on many families’ calendars as an opportunity to express gratitude and love to those who have been father figures in their lives.
Origin of father’s day in Colombia
The origin of Father’s Day in Colombia is influenced by American tradition. The celebration dates back to the early 20th century, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd proposed honoring her father, a war veteran who single-handedly raised his six children, in Spokane, Washington. The idea spread quickly, and in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day in the United States. This date was adopted by many Latin American countries, including Colombia, where it began to be celebrated more formally in the second half of the 20th century. Although it is not rooted in local tradition, Colombians have enthusiastically embraced it, adapting the celebration to their own family values and cultural practices.
How is father’s day commemorated in Colombia?
Father’s Day in Colombia is characterized by a warm and emotional family atmosphere centered around honoring dads. Many people take the opportunity to share a special meal—either at home or at a restaurant—where the father is the guest of honor. It’s also common for children of all ages to prepare heartfelt gifts, such as handwritten letters, crafts, or carefully chosen presents.
Schools also play an important role, organizing activities in the days leading up to the celebration. In preschools and elementary schools, children participate in cultural performances, drawings, and small presentations to express their love for their fathers. These activities help strengthen family bonds and foster gratitude from an early age.
A family-oriented celebration
Unlike more commercialized holidays, Father’s Day in Colombia tends to highlight sentimental value over material gifts. While many still choose to give classic presents such as cologne, clothing, watches, or tools, others prefer to gift experiences—like outings to special places, outdoor adventures, or restful family days.
In recent years, the trend of giving time and presence has grown, especially after the pandemic. Families now place more value on being together—sharing a home-cooked meal, watching a family movie, or simply having meaningful conversations—as a way to honor the fathers who have remained present and dependable throughout the years.
Father’s Day is also an opportunity to recognize other men who have played a paternal role: grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers, older brothers, or even close friends who have been guides and role models. The celebration is not limited to biological fathers, but extends to all those who have loved, guided, corrected, and supported with wisdom and tenderness.