Father's Day

Where does Father's Day come from?

Father's Day as we know it started in the United States in the early twentieth century. Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane, Washington, who was raised by her widowed father, wanted a special day for fathers, just like the one for mothers. The first celebration took place in Spokane in June, and the idea gradually spread across the country and beyond.

In many Catholic countries, such as Spain, Portugal and Italy, Father's Day is instead celebrated on the 19th of March, the feast of St Joseph. Germany marks its own Vatertag on Ascension Day, and Australia and New Zealand celebrate in September.

Father's Day falls on the third Sunday in June, both in the United States and in the United Kingdom.

In 2027 that is Sunday 20 June.

Father's Day in the UK

Father's Day is not a bank holiday, but as it falls on a Sunday most people are free. The day became popular in the UK in the second half of the twentieth century, following the American example. Unlike Mothering Sunday, it has no religious roots. Cards, a family meal, a day out or a gift such as a book or a bottle of something special are typical ways to celebrate.