Classic · May and October
Which flowers to give on Mother’s Day (and when it falls in your country)
There isn’t just one Mother’s Day: Spain celebrates it on the first Sunday of May, Mexico every May 10, half the Americas on the second Sunday and Argentina in October.
- Spain and Portugal
- 1st Sunday of Maycarnations and peonies
- Mexico
- May 10roses and carnations
- USA and much of the Americas
- 2nd Sunday of Maycarnations
- Argentina
- 3rd Sunday of Octoberroses and lilies
When Mother’s Day is in each country
The dates that fall on a Sunday change every year. These are the next two, worked out with the same rule the calendar uses:
| Country | Rule | 2027 | 2028 | Typical flower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain and Portugal | 1st Sunday of May | May 2 | May 7 | Carnations, peonies |
| Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador | May 10 | May 10 | May 10 | Roses and carnations |
| USA, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Italy and more | 2nd Sunday of May | May 9 | May 14 | Carnations |
| Argentina | 3rd Sunday of October | Oct 17 | Oct 15 | Roses and lilies |
Other countries have their own date: Paraguay (May 15), Bolivia (May 27), Nicaragua (May 30), the Dominican Republic (last Sunday of May), Costa Rica (August 15) and Panama (December 8). The Florario calendar includes the four most widespread dates.
Which flowers to give on Mother’s Day
- Carnations: the original Mother’s Day flower and the cheapest. They last many days in water.
- Peonies: the classic in Spain; May is exactly their season.
- Roses: in Mexico, the bouquet that goes with the serenade and the family lunch.
- Lilies: in Argentina, where the date falls in full spring.
If you’re unsure about the color, pink is the one most associated with this day: affection and gratitude without the romantic weight of red.
Why the carnation is the Mother’s Day flower
Anna Jarvis promoted Mother’s Day in the United States in 1908 and chose the carnation, her mother’s favorite flower. From there the date, the second Sunday of May, and the flower spread to much of the Americas and Europe.
Why each country celebrates it on a different day
- Spain: the first Sunday of May, the month Catholic tradition dedicates to the Virgin Mary.
- Mexico: a fixed date since 1922, when the newspaper Excélsior promoted the celebration.
- United States and much of the Americas: the second Sunday of May, because of Anna Jarvis.
- Argentina: the third Sunday of October, so it coincides with the best flower season of the southern hemisphere.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mother’s Day in Spain in 2027?
Sunday, May 2, 2027. In Spain it is always celebrated on the first Sunday of May; in 2028 it will be May 7.
When is Mother’s Day in Mexico?
Always on May 10, whatever day of the week it falls on. It has been a fixed date since 1922.
When is Mother’s Day in Colombia, Chile and Peru?
On the second Sunday of May: May 9, 2027 and May 14, 2028.
When is Mother’s Day in Argentina?
On the third Sunday of October: October 17, 2027 and October 15, 2028.
Which flower is given on Mother’s Day?
The carnation has been the traditional flower since 1908. Peonies are also very typical in Spain, roses in Mexico and lilies in Argentina.
