🌎 Father’s Day Across Cultures: A Reflection from Both Sides of the Atlantic 👨‍👧‍👦🍻

Yesterday was Father’s Day in the U.S., a time when families celebrate dads with heartfelt cards, backyard barbecues, and quality time together. It’s a warm, family-oriented holiday that often revolves around appreciation, gift-giving, and togetherness.

But did you know that Father’s Day in Germany “Vatertag”, looks quite different?

In Germany, Vatertag is celebrated on Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt)- a public holiday that always falls on a Thursday. Traditionally, it’s less about family brunch and more about Männertag (Men’s Day): groups of men head out into nature with handcarts (Bollerwagen) full of beer, schnapps, and snacks for a day of hiking, bonding, and light-hearted celebration. In recent years, however, Männertag has increasingly taken on a more family-oriented character, with gatherings that resemble U.S.-style family celebrations.

As an intercultural trainer, I find these cultural nuances fascinating. One concept- honoring fathers- yet two very different expressions shaped by history, tradition, and societal norms.

💡How do you celebrate Father’s Day where you are? What traditions stand out in your culture?