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March 19

Father's Day

What is Father's Day?

Father's Day is a day to honor fathers. It originated in the United States thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd, a girl who wanted to demonstrate the love she felt for her father, Henry Jackson Smart, after raising her and her five sisters without help (after her mother's death). She proposed celebrating Father's Day on June 5, but she wasn't successful (she didn't have enough support). The idea, however, took hold among people, with President Calvin Coolidge (in 1924) making a new attempt to push it through, which eventually happened in 1966 thanks to Lyndon Johnson. From that year, the third Sunday in June was established as its official date. Over time, this tradition spread all over the world, although many countries (including Spain) opted to celebrate it on another date.

When is Father's Day?

Father's Day in Spain is celebrated on March 19, the same day as St. Joseph. The same applies in other European countries, such as Portugal and Italy. Many others stick to the original date (third Sunday in June) implemented by Johnson. There are exceptions, such as Russia (February 23, Day of the Defenders of the Homeland), Romania (second Sunday in May) and Australia and New Zealand (first Sunday in September). 

Why is Father's Day celebrated on different dates in other countries?

Most countries celebrate Father's Day. However, they don't all do it on the same day. Many, despite the passage of time, still opt to celebrate it on the third Sunday in June, the date chosen in 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson. However, others (such as Spain) decided to change Father's Day to another date: March 19.

If you want to finance your Father's Day purchases, calculate your loan

Would you like more information?

No. The Fast Loan Without Documents is designed for people who do not currently have an account with BBVA. But remember that to benefit from the 1% reduction in the interest rate, you must also have your paycheck or pension directly deposited at BBVA for the duration of the fast loan.

Other important dates

  • Mother's Day is the date when mothers from all over the world are honored. In Spain, it's observed on the first Sunday in May, although it's generally celebrated on the second Sunday of this month.
  • The UN General Assembly (UN) ruled in April 2017 that the International Day of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be held on June 27.
  • Electric Vehicle Day celebrates how important electric cars are to expanding sustainable mobility, as well as the positive impact sustainable mobility has on preserving the environment.