Where and How Grandmothers' Day Is Celebrated: A Journey Through the Festive Calendar

Grandmothers are the keepers of family warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. It's no surprise that in different parts of the world, they have dedicated holidays. The question is, what exactly is the name of this day and when is it 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 called "excellent," somewhere "beautiful," and somewhere they are simply given flowers on Grandparents' Day. Let's embark on a journey around the world to find out where and how these amazing women are honored.

United States: National Gorgeous Grandma Day

Perhaps the festival closest in spirit to "charming grandmother" exists in the United States. There, every year on July 23, National Gorgeous (or dazzling) Grandma Day is celebrated. This is an unofficial but very popular holiday created to break down 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 Solsvey, who, after receiving her diploma at the age of 50 in 1984, wanted to show that maturity is a time for new opportunities. She came up with the term "gorgeous grandma" to reinterpret public views of elderly women. On this day, grandchildren and children give flowers, cards, and gifts to their grandmothers, organize festive dinners and tea parties, arrange photo sessions or joint trips to the theater, museum, or park. It is also customary to share photos of one's grandmothers on social networks with stories about their beauty and achievements. Interestingly, the concept of "dazzling grandmother" is becoming increasingly popular: fashion agencies, bloggers, and even runways are showing 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, in Russia, since 2009, the Day of Grandparents has been celebrated on October 28. The date was chosen not by chance: it was at the end of October that ancient Slavs celebrated the Autumn Deds — a holiday designed 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. And in Udmurtia, there is a unique tradition — they celebrate the Day of Grandmothers on May 26, and the occasion for this was the triumphant performance of the "Buranovsky Babushki" at the Eurovision.

Poland — the birthplace of the holiday

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") proposed to celebrate 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 touching holidays in Poland, when grandchildren give flowers, gifts, and spend time with their grandmothers.

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

In France, Grandma's Day has been celebrated since 1987 on the first Sunday of 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 are very tender about this day and try to surround their grandmothers with attention and care.

Germany: the second Sunday of October

In Germany, grandmothers are celebrated annually on the second Sunday of October. In 2026, this is 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 of September

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

Portugal and World Grandma's Day

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

How the holiday is celebrated in different countries

Despite different dates and names, the traditions of celebrating 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, arrange walks in nature, write letters of love, arrange photo sessions or joint trips 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 networks. In Russia, it is customary to give indoor plants in pots with a special meaning.

Conclusion

"Day of Charming Grandma" is not one specific holiday with a single date. It is a whole 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 of March, in Germany — the second Sunday of October, in Japan — the third Monday of 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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