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, 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.
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