If you live in Chile, you’re probably used to celebrating Mother’s Day on a Sunday in May. However, with a few exceptions, that date is actually a commercial one, chosen to make it easier for families to celebrate together. It also tends to boost retail sales during the month, given the large number of gifts typically bought for the occasion.
In reality, Chile has two different dates for Mother’s Day. The first is the official date, established by a 1976 decree, which sets it for May 10. The second, more familiar to most people, is the commercial or family-oriented date: the second Sunday of May each year.
While these two dates usually don’t match, this year they’ll be very close—May 10 falls on a Saturday, and the second Sunday is May 11. Although May 10 is the official date, most celebrations in Chile will likely take place on Sunday, May 11, making it the more practical choice for honoring moms.
Interestingly, both dates will coincide again in 2026, when the second Sunday in May will also be May 10.
Where Does Mother’s Day Come From?
Celebrating motherhood is not a modern invention. Throughout history, many cultures and civilizations have paid tribute to maternal figures in various ways. However, the modern version of Mother’s Day traces back to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
During the U.S. Civil War, a woman named Ann Reeves-Jarvis played a key role in organizing medical care and humanitarian assistance for wounded soldiers. Decades later, in 1907, her daughter Anna Jarvis decided it was time to honor her mother—and all hardworking mothers—by advocating for a special day in their name.
Thanks to her efforts, several U.S. states officially adopted Mother’s Day in 1911, setting it for the second Sunday of May. Ironically, although Anna Jarvis fought hard for this recognition, she later became disillusioned with the growing commercialization of the holiday she helped create.
