Grandparently Grandparents and Grandchildren 
Grandparents Day began in the United States in 1978. It has spread to numerous countries world-wide. While many countries celebrate some form of grandparents there is no recognized world wide Grandparents Day.
Some countries set a specific day (ex: July 26th), while others set it on a particular weekend (ex: 2nd Sunday of October). In Australia, Grandparents Day has been adopted one state at a time with no national day yet set. In Japan, there is no single ‘Grandparents Day’ as elders should be given respect and recognition every day, making each of them a mini Grandparents Day. Brazil, Honduras and Spain selected a date that reflects a religious root. In those three countries Grandparents Day is held on the feast of Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus.
Around the world, no matter the date, Grandparents Day activities recognize and celebrate the importance of the elderly and their unique contributions to family and community. It is just what Marian McQuade had in mind when she urged Grandparents Day to be founded.
Dates of Grandparents Day Around the World
| Country | Year Founded | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | ? | Third Sunday in August | |
| Australia - New South Wales | 2011 | Last Sunday of October | |
| Australia - Queensland | 2010 | Last Sunday of October | Originally was set as the first Sunday in November |
| Australia - Western | 2012 | Last Sunday of October | |
| Brazil | ? | July 26th | Date reflects the feast date of the Saints Anne and Joachim the grandparents of Jesus Christ |
| Canada | 1995 | Second Sunday of September | Deliberations on setting the holiday can be found at: The Debates of the House of Commons |
| Chile | ? | October 1 and/or October 15 | |
| Columbia | ? | Last Sunday in August | |
| Costa Rica | ? | Between October 1 and 10 | |
| Ecuador | ? | September 29 | |
| Estonia | 2010 | Second Sunday of September | Known as Vanavanemate Päev |
| France | 1987 | First Sunday in March | While now a part of French calendars it was launched by Café Grand'Mère, a coffee brand |
| Germany | 2010 | Second Sunday in October | |
| Honduras | ? | July 26th | Date reflects the feast date of the Saints Anne and Joachim the grandparents of Jesus Christ |
| Hong Kong | 1990 | Second Sunday of October | |
| Italy | 2005 | October 2nd | Known as La Festa dei Nonni |
| Japan | ? | all 365 days of the year | There is no specific date to honor grandparents, as their culture teaches that all the time one should recognize and respect their elders above all. |
| Mexico | 1982? | August 28 | Known as Día del Abuelos |
| Pakistan | ? | Second Sunday in October | |
| Phillipines | 1987 | Second Sunday in September | |
| Singapore | 1998 | Fourth Sunday in November | |
| South Africa | 1994 | First Sunday in October | |
| South Sudan | 2013 | Second Sunday in October | |
| Spain | ? | July 26th | Date reflects the feast date of the Saints Anne and Joachim the grandparents of Jesus Christ |
| Taiwan | 2010 | Last Sunday in August | |
| United Kingdom | 2008 | First Sunday in October | Introduced initially in 1990 by a charity |
| United States | 1978 | First Sunday After Labor Day | The first country to celebrate Grandparents Day |
| Uruguay | ? | June 19th | The day to honor elders, not specifically "Grandparents Day" |
| Venezuela | ? | May 29 | The day to honor elders, not specifically "Grandparents Day" |
Please share updates to this listing.
