Tomorrow México celebrates Día de el Niño (Day of the Child or Children’s Day).
In 1924 the League of Nations adopted the first so-called Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child which stated that because of a child’s physical and mental immaturity, children need special guarantees, care and legal protection before and after their births. The next year the first World Conference on the Well-being of Children was held in Geneva which proclaimed June 1 as the International Children’s Day.
In 1954 United Nations General Assembly recommended that all countries establish a Universal Children’s Day to be held on an “appropriate” day. On November 20, 1959, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child spelling out specific rights to which all children should be entitled. From that time forward Children’s Day began to be celebrated on 20th November of every year by many countries.
Canada celebrates children’s Day on November 20, but did not recognize Children’s Day until 1993. The United States was even later in its recognition. When Bill Clinton was president of the United States he got a letter written by a six year old boy inquiring if he would make a Children’s Day for him. Shortly thereafter the president proclaimed that Children’s Day be held on October 11, 1998. When George W. Bush became president he proclaimed “National Child’s Day” as June 3, 2001, and in subsequent years on the first Sunday in June.
Children’s Day is now celebrated in almost 80 countries around the world and during every month of the year except February. Many of these countries, including the U.S. celebrate their children in name only, but not México.
México was one of the first countries to establish Children’s Day, doing so in 1925, when it adopted April 30 as the day to celebrate its children. For years Children’s Day has been a big deal in México with parties, piñatas, outings, and gifts since its inception.
Although the children do go to school tomorrow regular classes are replaced by big parties that include food, candies, piñatas and rides.
Various traditional games are also played, “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” being the most common of all. Stores and markets are flooded with presents and candies targeting children of all ages. Some even distribute items to the kids for free. The local amusement parks are often converted into colorful, decorated full-blown fiesta. One can witness flying banners, swinging piñatas, recorded and live music, great puppet shows, outdoor games and toy areas.
This occasion is considered to be one of the happiest and most anticipated days of the year, as it celebrates and treats children.
If you have a chance, stop by your local tienda and pick up a few bags of candies for the children in your neighborhood. When you hand them out tomorrow everyone, including you, will be smiling.
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