FX.co ★ Men's holidays around the world

US

Few people are aware of the fact that the most popular men's holiday – Father’s day came from the US. In the 1960s, it became a public holiday. Traditionally, on the third weekend in June, many Americans visit their fathers and give them red roses. Some go to the graveyard and lay white roses to the grave of the dead parents. Another men’s holiday in the US is Armed Forces Day. However, Vietnam and the First World War Veterans Memorial, Remembrance Day, Washington's Birthday, and United States Coast Guard Day are among the most popular men’s holidays.

Spain

In Spain, Father’s day is celebrated quite unusually. On June 29, many barrels of wine are rolled out on the field in front of the two men's teams, and then they start dousing each other. The winners of this competition are the driest and the soberest.

A month earlier, people celebrate Armed Forces Day. For a whole week, parades with military equipment are held in different cities of the country. In such a way, the state is trying to increase the interest to the military as a profession among the youth.

Germany

In Germany and Austria, men celebrate Father’s day in a bar or somewhere outdoors.

They discuss different topics, the topic of fatherhood in particular, over a bottle of beer or punch. Funny enough, this is the only day in the year when they can get too drunk and get away with it at home. Even those who cannot come back home will not be scolded.

Italy

The 19th of March is Italian Father's Day. Despite the fact that this is not a public holiday anymore, people celebrate it on a grand scale.

On this day, there are a lot of family and friendly gatherings. Men are given gifts. A bottle of aged wine is the most desirable one. Notably, this should be a bottle of wine that corresponds with the taste of the recipient. The bottle can also be stylized with some peculiar details of the receiver's appearance.

Iceland

The residents of Iceland celebrate two men’s holidays. The first is the Spouse's Day which takes place on January 19. On this day, married women take care of their loved ones and give them presents.

After a week, the men of Iceland celebrate Torrablout. This is truly a man’s day. They measure strength, arrange feasts and parties.

Mongolia

Traditional men's holiday in Mongolia is Nadom – the day of the warrior which is celebrated on July 11-13. People of all ages gather in the main city square.

On this day, people participate in three contests: horse racing, archery, and traditional wrestling. Remarkably, not only men can take part in the contest but also women and boys at the age of 6. People also sing folk songs and perform a traditional dance. There is also a great variety of numerous shows and an open-air kitchen.

Australia

In Australia, men’s holiday, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day, is celebrated on April 25 since 1916. This holiday is more significant than Australia’s Day.

During ANZAC, solemn ceremonies are held in the country to commemorate soldiers who were killed in the wars. Australians go to morning church services, then try the fire breakfast (a drink consisting of coffee and rum), visit parades and marches of veterans.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the Day of St. George is traditionally considered a men’s holiday. It is celebrated on May 6 along with the other two holidays - The Bravery Day and Armed Forces Day. Parades with military equipment are held in the main squares of the cities.

Finland

In Finland, the national holiday is Defence Forces Day which is timed to the birthday of Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim.

Traditionally, on June 4, honorary awards are given and new titles are conferred.

UK

On 27 June, the United Kingdom celebrates the British Armed Forces Day which is designed to maintain the spirit of patriotism and recognition of the British Armed Forces of Her Majesty.

On this day, not only veterans receive congratulations but also actual soldiers and young men who may join the army in the future.

China

On August 1, China marks People's Liberation Army Day (PLA), one of the largest armies in the world (about 2.5 million soldiers).

People in all corners of China celebrate this day. They honor veterans, visit military exhibitions and festive concerts.

Poland

The Feast of the Polish Armed Forces is a public holiday that appeared relatively recently – at the end of the twentieth century.

It is celebrated on August 15, coinciding with the religious holiday- the Feast of the Assumption. It reminds poles of the battle between the Polish Army and the Red Army which took place in August 1920.

Back then, the poles made a religious procession, praying to the Mother of God for the salvation of Poland from the invaders.

Brazil

Soldier's day appeared in 1961. It was designed to honor the soldiers of the Brazilian army. Nowadays, it is no longer a public holiday and a national holiday. However, on August 25, the military hero of Brazil, Luis Alves de Lima e Silva, is honored as the patron of the national army.