How Father's Day is celebrated in 10 countries—from Thailand to Germany

Father’s Day is celebrated in almost all countries as an international holiday honoring the significant contributions of fathers and father-figures to family and community life.

Though the fundamental philosophy of the holiday remains the same in different countries, which is to show love, gratitude and appreciation towards father figures, the celebrations are often quite different from one place to the other. Some countries prefer to celebrate the event with feasts and gifts, some associate it with religious rituals or national holidays and so on. As Father's Day 2026 is coming soon, let us take a closer look at how the holiday is celebrated in ten different countries.

Father's Day in Thailand – Honoring the king as a father figure

Traditionally, Father's Day in Thailand takes place on the birthday of the country's father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, celebrated on December 5. People pay tribute to their fathers and the former king on this day, attending ceremonies and having family events. Sons often give their fathers canna flowers, symbolizing the masculine traits and strength, that characterize both the man himself and the father figure in general.

Father's Day in Germany – An outdoor excursion

In Germany, Father's Day is associated with the Christian holiday, Ascension Day, which falls 40 days after Easter. Germans call the holiday Vatertag, and nowadays the holiday is associated with outdoor events, like hikes, countryside walks, or even bicycle trips. Men tend to ride wagons loaded with food and drinks, spending their holiday outside among friends and families. Despite the fun and cheerful atmosphere of the day, Germans celebrate it by honoring their fathers as well.

Father's Day in the USA – An original tradition

In the United States, Father's Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June, and the holiday has quite interesting origins. The idea behind it belongs to Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to commemorate her father, a veteran of the Civil War, who took care of his six children alone after becoming a widow. Nowadays, the celebrations consist of sending greeting cards and organizing family meals or outdoor activities with the kids thanking their father with meaningful words.

Father's Day in India – Modern celebrations

Although quite young compared to other festivals in India, Father's Day celebration has become quite popular among Indians, especially among families. Father's Day falls on the third Sunday of June in the country, and kids are expected to honor their fathers by surprising them with gifts and family meals, as well as giving handmade cards and flowers to show gratitude. Social media also becomes crowded with photos dedicated to father-children connections.

Father's Day in Australia – A great day for outdoorsmen

As opposed to many other countries, Australians celebrate Father's Day in September, on the first Sunday of the month. Schools usually organize special events for the celebration where kids make gifts for their dads. Australian families typically have family breakfasts, barbecues, and spend time outside doing various entertaining activities, thanks to the pleasant spring weather in the country.

Father's Day in Brazil – Combining religion and family

In Brazil, Father's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of August because this date is traditionally associated with the Feast of Saint Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary, who was considered a patron of fathers.

Usually, families organize feasts or visit cafes and restaurants to have a great meal, giving gifts and congratulating the holidayman on the special day.

Father's Day in Japan – Showing appreciation through gifts

In Japan, Father's Day celebrations take place on the third Sunday of June. Kids tend to surprise their fathers with gifts like ties, wallets, homemade gifts, or even favorite foods and drinks. Families usually spend their holiday by preparing dinner at home or having lunch in restaurants.

Being a respectful society, Japanese people try to show how much they appreciate a father's efforts and hard work in a thoughtful way.

Father's Day in Mexico – Family celebrations

In Mexico, the holiday is associated with various family celebrations, including big dinners, special family events, and outings. In some Mexican cities, there are special Father's Day runs or competitions organized to make the holiday even more festive. The celebration focuses on gathering families, having fun and, of course, honoring fathers and thanking them for all the love and care.

Father's Day in South Africa – A tribute to men

South Africa also joins in the celebrations and has the same date of the festival as the majority of other countries (the third Sunday of June). Families pay tribute to their fathers, grandfathers, and father-like personalities who made their lives easier with support, guidance, and care. Sometimes families prepare a breakfast, give gifts or do something together to spend this special day meaningfully.

Father's Day in Italy – Family celebrations and church

Interestingly enough, Italians associate Father's Day with a Catholic feast of Saint Joseph, which is observed on March 19.

The holiday is dedicated to Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. People visit church services and celebrate together in their families. Besides, traditional Italian foods and desserts are served to make this day even more joyful and special.

Heartwarming ways to spend your Father's Day

Go on a drive

Going for a drive on Father's Day may seem like nothing special, but this little activity helps strengthen the relationship between the kid and dad. There are plenty of options, go somewhere you've never been before, revisit a childhood spot, or simply have some fun driving your dad's car.

Fix his bike or car together

If your dad loves fixing things and likes working with tools, try to spend your Father's Day helping him out. Cleaning, improving, and working on something you both know will make the holiday very memorable for sure.

Cook him dinner

Making your father's favorite dish or going out to have dinner with him may be a very heartwarming way to start the holiday. Spending quality time together and enjoying delicious food can become the main part of the celebration.

Go back to old times

Go back to the past by visiting the places where you lived with your family during your childhood. It might turn out to be an interesting experience for everyone, full of funny and sweet memories.

Spend time talking to him

Spend as much time as you can talking to your dad. Ask him about his life, plans, and advice because you might need it in the future. Talking with your dad can bring you closer to him and help you understand your father better.

A holiday full of meaningful traditions

Despite having different celebrations and unique traditions in different countries, the main thing about Father's Day stays unchanged, the expression of gratitude, appreciation, and respect towards fathers and father-like personalities who contributed so much to the development of each family. No matter where in the world you live, spending Father's Day with your dad is one of the best gifts to each other.