Mexico’s Día del Niño (Children’s Day), celebrated on Wednesday, April 30, holds special significance this year.
The day was officially recognized in Mexico in 1925.
In 1959, the United Nations chose November 20 to mark the occasion globally, but Mexico has continued to observe it on April 30 (as November 20 is also Revolution Day in the country).
Though this year’s Día del Niño coincides with the Easter vacation, children can still look forward to plenty of fun and excitement with their families and friends, and at events organized by local authorities in public spaces.
While it’s a joyful occasion, Día del Niño also serves as a reminder to promote children’s rights, including access to education, healthcare and protection from violence and exploitation.
Historical perspective
Children’s rights in Mexico have undergone significant changes over the past 100 years. Historically, children—particularly those in rural areas—faced exploitation, a lack of education and were subjected to child labor. In colonial times and throughout the 19th century, children were expected to work in fields, tend animals or perform domestic tasks, and child protection laws were virtually nonexistent.
Similar to the U.S. Civil War, some children, mostly teenagers, became involved in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), though evidence of their direct participation in combat is scarce. Many Mexican women also joined the different warring factions, often bringing their children with them.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.