Don't forget the Dads!

In New Zealand and Australia we celebrate Father’s Day on the first Sunday in September, however Europe, the USA and the Americas, all observe the day on different dates, with many countries still to recognise the celebration of Dads.

The day has quite a history. It has been celebrated on March 19 in Europe since the Middle Ages. This celebration was brought by the Spanish and Portuguese to Latin America, where March 19 is often still used for it, though many countries in Europe and the Americas have adopted the U.S. date, which is the third Sunday of June.

In New Zealand, Fathers' Day was first celebrated in Auckland on 14 July 1929 and appeared in commercial advertising the following year. Although originally marked in the religious calendar, it moved quickly to a secular celebration and in 1935 much of Australia moved to mark the day at the beginning of September. New Zealand followed this move and both countries have kept the September date since.

Giving cards and small gifts are the general tradition for Father’s Day – with kids enjoying this special day with their Dads.

Live Wires have a great selection of cards. Sending love to Dad doesn’t need to be restricted to Father’s Day, but it’s great he has a special day too!