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Observance · not a public holiday in New Zealand

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is not an official public holiday in New Zealand. The date shown is when it falls globally; it may be observed privately or culturally. See New Zealand's official public holidays →
Sunday, 10 May 2026
34 days ago
Also known as: Día de la Madre · Fête des Mères · Muttertag
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Mother's Day honors motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. Dates vary by country — most observe it on the second Sunday in May, others have their own dates rooted in local history.

History & origin

The modern American holiday was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 in West Virginia. President Woodrow Wilson made it a federal observance in 1914. Many countries adopted the second-Sunday-of-May date; others (UK as Mothering Sunday during Lent, Mexico May 10, Thailand August 12 for the Queen's birthday) retain their own dates.

Traditions & customs

Cards, flowers (especially carnations — Anna Jarvis specified), gifts, family meals, brunches, breakfast-in-bed for mothers. Many restaurants offer special menus and are heavily booked.

Traditional foods

Special meals planned by family. Brunches popular in the US, Canada, Australia.

Greetings & salutations

"Happy Mother's Day" · "Feliz Día de la Madre" · "Bonne Fête des Mères"

For travellers

Not a public holiday but commercially major. Restaurants book out weeks ahead. Flower prices double.

Sponsored

Frequently asked questions

When is Mother's Day 2026?
US/Canada: May 10, 2026. Mexico: May 10. UK (Mothering Sunday): March 15. Thailand: August 12.

Mother's Day in other countries

This holiday is also publicly observed in:

More holidays in New Zealand

Related holidays

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