The value of Father 's Day in Chilean culture
In Chile, Father 's Day is a day filled with affection and recognition . Although it's not an official holiday , it has established itself as one of the most important family celebrations of the year. It's a time to express gratitude, support , and honor the fathers , grandfathers , and paternal figures who have touched the lives of millions of Chileans.
When is Father 's Day celebrated in Chile in 2025 ?
In 2025 , Father 's Day in Chile will be celebrated on Sunday , June 15 , following the tradition of commemorating it on the third Sunday of the month .
This date has been informally adopted in Chile , as in many other countries , to establish a day dedicated to sharing with the family and recognizing the father 's role in the family . Although it is not an official date established by law, it is present in school calendars , advertising , and social media.
Origin of Father 's Day and its arrival in Chile
Father 's Day has its roots in the United States , when in 1910 Sonora Smart Dodd promoted the idea of dedicating a special day to fathers , in honor of her widowed father who raised six children alone . The idea gained traction until 1966 , when President Lyndon B. Johnson officially established the third Sunday in June as Father 's Day in that country .
In Chile, this celebration was adopted during the 20th century , primarily influenced by the media , commerce , and educational institutions . Although its date has no official legal backing , its social acceptance has made it a deeply rooted tradition .
Traditional ways to celebrate Father 's Day in Chile
Father 's Day in Chile is celebrated in a variety of ways , but generally has an intimate, familial , and affectionate character . The following are some of the most common ways of commemorating it:
Family reunions
Many families gather at home or at restaurants to share a special lunch or dinner . It's common to prepare a father 's favorite dish or surprise him with a day of rest and company.
Typical gifts
Children and relatives often give gifts that reflect affection or utility. Some of the most common gifts include :
Clothing ( shirts, sweaters, shoes)
Technology ( headphones, cell phones, smart watches )
Wines and spirits
Tools or items for the car
Experiences ( massages , dinners , weekend getaways )
School activities
Children in kindergartens and schools often prepare crafts, cards, drawings , or activities in the days leading up to the event . It's a way to involve the little ones in recognizing their parents , generating excitement for the whole family.
Commercial and economic impact of Father 's Day in Chile
Although Father's Day does n't have the same level of consumption as Mother 's Day in Chile , Chilean businesses take advantage of this date to launch promotional campaigns , especially in the following sectors :
Retail and department stores : with deals on clothing , technology , and personal items .
Restaurants : special menus or advance reservations for Sunday .
E - commerce : high sales volume in the previous week .
Services : promotions in barbershops, spas, relaxation centers , etc.
Father 's Day represents an important opportunity for the retail sector in a month that is otherwise typically quiet in terms of sales .
Is Father 's Day a holiday in Chile ?
No. Father's Day is neither a legal holiday nor a day off in Chile . However , its celebration has become so traditional that it is widely recognized in school calendars , marketing campaigns , and family celebrations .
Unlike other national or religious holidays , there are no changes to the work schedule or public services . Still , many people make time in their Sunday routine to celebrate with their parents .
How is Father 's Day celebrated in other countries ?
Father's Day is celebrated on different dates depending on the country, although the intention of the celebration is similar :
United States , Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia : Third Sunday in June.
Spain, Italy and Portugal: March 19 , Saint Joseph 's Day .
Brazil: Second Sunday in August.
Argentina: Third Sunday of June, although its origin was initially proposed in August.
These differences show how each culture has adopted the celebration, adapting it to its religious or historical contexts .
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ)
Why is Father 's Day celebrated in Chile in June ?
Due to international influence , especially from the United States, where the third Sunday in June was established as the official date , Chile unofficially adopted this custom .
Is Father 's Day a holiday in Chile ?
No, it's not an official holiday . However , it's widely celebrated with family gatherings , gift-giving , and school activities .
What kind of gifts are usually given in Chile ?
Clothing, technology, wines, sporting goods , and experiences such as dinners or getaways are common options .
What do children do at school on this date ?
They usually prepare cards, drawings, poems , or presentations to honor their parents during activities leading up to Sunday.
Which businesses have the most sales on this day ?
Retail, technology, restaurants , and e- commerce account for a large portion of consumption during this time.
Father's Day is a perfect opportunity to express affection, recognize his efforts, and strengthen the family connection. Beyond the gift, what fathers truly value is the time shared, the sincere words, and the lasting gestures. This June 15, 2025, dedicate a special moment to the one who has been there every step of the way. Celebrate with heart, with memory, and with gratitude.