Neither the civic nor liturgical calendar marks the date, yet May 10 is unquestionably the most widely and fervently celebrated of all Mexican holidays.
While north-of-the-border countries set aside the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, in Mexico el Dia de las Madres always falls on the same date, prompting each and every family to disregard normal routines to honor mama with music, flowers, gifts and a special feast.
The festivities often begin by arousing mother from slumber in the hours just before dawn with el gallo (the rooster), a heartfelt, if noisy, serenade outside her bedroom window. Starting with a traditional chorus of las mañanitas, the repertoire of love songs may be entoned by a mariachi band or other professional group hired for the occasion or, if they are musically inclined, her own children.
On May 10, most working moms will be granted a day off by their employers. For many this means an opportunity to attend lively school festivals in which their precious little ones will be featured performing songs, dances and saccharine choral poems.
On the home front, mothers will be relieved from the daily drudgery of the kitchen, as members of the family pitch in to delight her with a special meal. This may mean dining out at a favorite restaurant or a family gathering at home for comida prepared by her offspring. In addition to a bouquet of fresh flowers, Mexican moms can also expect material tokens of affection that may range from practical items – new dishes, glassware and kitchen appliances, often wrapped up in shiny cellophane – to clothing, fashion accessories and outright luxuries, such as jewelry and perfume.
Mothers who have departed this world are likewise remembered May 10. It is customary to adorn a mother’s grave with some type of floral tribute. In Ajijic, as in many small villages, a blast of fireworks will announce a mass, in honor of deceased mothers, held just after dawn in the village cemetery.