Where and How Grandmothers Are Celebrated: A Journey Through the Festival Calendar

Grandmothers are the keepers of family warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. It is no surprise that in different parts of the world, there are separate holidays dedicated to them. The question is merely how this day is called and when it is traditionally celebrated. The concept of "charming grandmother" is not just a compliment but a whole philosophy that takes on unique names and traditions in different countries. Somewhere grandmothers are hailed as "gorgeous," elsewhere as "beautiful," and in some places, they are simply given flowers on Grandparents' Day. Let's embark on a journey around the world to learn where and how these remarkable women are honored.

United States: National Gorgeous Grandma Day

Perhaps the festival closest to the spirit of "charming grandmother" exists in the United States. Every year on July 23, National Gorgeous (or dazzling) Grandma Day is celebrated there. This is an unofficial but very popular holiday created to break stereotypes about elderly women and emphasize that grandmothers can be not only caring and kind but also active, stylish, energetic, and confident.

The founder of the holiday was Alice Solswey, who, after receiving her diploma at the age of 50 in 1984, wanted to show that maturity is a time for new opportunities. She coined the term "gorgeous grandma" to reinterpret public views on elderly women. On this day, grandchildren and children give flowers, cards, and gifts to their grandmothers, organize festive dinners and tea parties, hold photo sessions, or go on joint outings to the theater, museum, or park. It is also customary to share photos of one's grandmothers on social media with stories about their beauty and achievements. Interestingly, the concept of "dazzling grandmother" is becoming increasingly popular: fashion agencies, bloggers, and even runways are demonstrating that beauty and charisma are not dependent on age.

Russia: Day of Beautiful Grandmothers and Day of Grandparents

In Russia, the attitude towards grandmothers is special, and there are several dates when you can congratulate your beloved grandmothers. One of the most touching holidays is the Day of Beautiful Grandmothers, which is celebrated on the last Sunday of September. This is a special day dedicated to the most valuable and beloved women in our lives. On this day, grandmothers receive well-deserved attention and recognition for their important role in the family and society. It is believed that the tradition of celebrating this holiday dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when grandmothers were the soul of the family, helped raise children, and passed on wise teachings.

In addition, since 2009, Russia has been celebrating the Day of Grandparents, which falls on October 28. The date was chosen not by chance: it was at the end of October that ancient Slavs celebrated the Autumn Dedes — a festival intended to strengthen the connection with ancestors and unite all generations. On this day, it is customary to congratulate both elderly relatives, give them flowers, especially indoor plants in pots, symbolizing prosperity and longevity.

Also, in Russia, grandmothers are celebrated on October 1, on the Day of the Elderly, although this holiday is not specialized for grandmothers in particular. In Udmurtia, there is a unique tradition — on May 26, they celebrate the Day of Grandmothers, and the occasion for this was the triumphant performance of the "Buranovsky Babushki" at the Eurovision.

Poland — the Originator of the Festival

It was in Poland that the special holiday dedicated to grandmothers first appeared. This happened in 1965 when the popular magazine Kobieta i Życie ("Woman and Life") suggested celebrating Grandmother's Day on January 21. Since then, Poles have celebrated their grandmothers every year on January 21, and on the following day, January 22, they celebrate their grandfathers. This is one of the warmest and most touching holidays in Poland, when grandchildren give flowers, gifts, and spend time with their grandmothers.

France: Grandma's Day on the First Sunday in March

Grandma's Day in France has been celebrated since 1987 on the first Sunday in March. The date is not fixed and changes every year. For example, in 2026, this holiday falls on March 1, and in 2027 — on March 7. The French take this day very seriously and try to surround their grandmothers with attention and care.

Germany: the Second Sunday in October

In Germany, grandmothers are celebrated annually on the second Sunday in October. In 2026, this will be October 11, and in 2027 — October 10. The German tradition of honoring grandmothers is no less touching than in other countries, and it is customary to give flowers, gifts, and spend time with family on this day.

Japan: the Third Monday in September

In Japan, a country with deep respect for the elderly, Grandma's Day is celebrated on the third Monday in September. In 2026, this will be September 21, and in 2027 — September 20. The Japanese honor their grandparents with special respect and this day is another opportunity to express their gratitude.

Portugal and the World Day

In Portugal, the Day of Grandparents (Dia dos avós) is celebrated on July 26. And since 2021, by the initiative of Pope Francis, the World Day of Grandparents, Grandfathers, and the Elderly is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July in many countries around the world. The date was chosen in honor of St. Joachim and Anna — the apocryphal grandparents of Jesus Christ.

How the Festival Is Celebrated in Different Countries

Despite different dates and names, the traditions of celebration are largely similar. The main thing is attention, love, and gratitude. Grandchildren give flowers, cards, and gifts to their grandmothers, organize festive dinners and tea parties, hold nature walks, write letters of love, hold photo sessions, or go on joint outings to the theater, museum, or park. For example, in the United States, it is customary to post photos of one's grandmothers with stories about their beauty and achievements on social media. In Russia, it is customary to give indoor plants in pots with a special meaning.

Conclusion

"Day of Charming Grandma" is not a single specific holiday with a single date. It is an entire array of wonderful days scattered throughout the calendars of different countries. In the United States, it is July 23 — National Gorgeous Grandma Day, in Russia — the last Sunday of September (Day of Beautiful Grandmothers) or October 28 (Day of Grandparents), in Poland — January 21, in France — the first Sunday in March, in Germany — the second Sunday in October, in Japan — the third Monday in September. And in each country, this day is filled with warmth, flowers, and sincere love for those who give us their wisdom and care.

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