Where and How Grandmothers Are Celebrated: A Journey Through the Festival Calendar

Grandmothers are keepers of family warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. It is no surprise that in different parts of the world, there are separate holidays dedicated to them. The question is only how this day is called and when it is traditionally celebrated. The concept of "charming grandmother" is not just a compliment, but a whole philosophy that takes on unique names and traditions in different countries. Somewhere grandmothers are called "excellent," in some places — "beautiful," and in others, they are simply given flowers on Grandparents' Day. Let's embark on a journey around the world and learn where and how these amazing women are honored.

United States: National Gorgeous Grandma Day

Perhaps the festival closest to the spirit of "charming grandmother" exists in the United States. Every year on July 23, National Gorgeous Grandma Day is celebrated — a not official but very popular holiday created to break stereotypes about elderly women and emphasize that grandmothers can be not only caring and kind, but also active, stylish, energetic, and confident.

The founder of the holiday was Alice Solswey, who, after receiving her degree at the age of 50 in 1984, wanted to show that maturity is the time for new opportunities. She coined the term "gorgeous grandma" to rethink public perceptions of elderly women. On this day, grandchildren and children give their grandmothers flowers, cards, and gifts, organize festive dinners and tea parties, arrange photo sessions or joint trips to the theater, museum, or park. It is also customary to share photos of one's grandmothers with stories about their beauty and achievements on social media. Interestingly, the concept of "dazzling grandmother" is becoming increasingly popular: fashion agencies, bloggers, and even runways are demonstrating that beauty and charisma do not depend on age.

Russia: Beautiful Grandma's Day and Grandparents' Day

Attitudes towards grandmothers in Russia are special, and there are several dates when you can congratulate your beloved grandmothers. One of the most touching holidays is Beautiful Grandma's Day, which is celebrated on the last Sunday in September. This is a special day dedicated to the most valuable and beloved women in our lives. On this day, grandmothers receive well-deserved attention and recognition for their important role in the family and society. It is believed that the tradition of celebrating this holiday dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when grandmothers were the soul of the family, helped raise children, and passed on wise teachings.

Additionally, in Russia, Grandparents' Day has been celebrated since 2009 on October 28. The date was chosen not by chance: it was in late October that ancient Slavs celebrated Autumn Deds — a holiday designed to strengthen the connection with ancestors and unite all generations. On this day, it is customary to congratulate both elderly relatives, give them flowers, especially indoor plants in pots, symbolizing prosperity and longevity.

Also in Russia, grandmothers are celebrated on October 1, on the Day of the Elderly, although this holiday is not specialized specifically for grandmothers. In Udmurtia, there is a unique tradition — on May 26, they celebrate Grandma's Day, and the occasion for this was the triumphant performance of the "Buranovsky Babushki" at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Poland — the Originator of the Holiday

It was in Poland that a special holiday dedicated to grandmothers first appeared. This happened in 1965, when the popular magazine Kobieta i Życie ("Woman and Life") proposed to celebrate Grandmother's Day on January 21. Since then, Poles have celebrated their grandmothers every January 21, and on the following day, January 22, they celebrate their grandfathers. This is one of the warmest and most touching holidays in Poland, when grandchildren give their grandmothers flowers, gifts, and spend time with them.

France: Grandma's Day on the First Sunday in March

In France, Grandma's Day has been celebrated since 1987 on the first Sunday in March. The date is not fixed and changes every year. For example, in 2026, this holiday falls on March 1, and in 2027 — on March 7. The French are very affectionate towards this day and try to surround their grandmothers with attention and care.

Germany: the Second Sunday in October

In Germany, grandmothers are celebrated every year on the second Sunday in October. In 2026, this will be October 11, and in 2027 — October 10. The German tradition of honoring grandmothers is no less touching than in other countries, and it is customary to give flowers, gifts, and spend time with family on this day.

Japan: the Third Monday in September

In Japan, a country with a deep respect for the elderly, Grandma's Day is celebrated on the third Monday in September. In 2026, this will be September 21, and in 2027 — September 20. The Japanese show special respect for their grandparents and this day is another occasion to express their gratitude.

Portugal and the World Day

In Portugal, Grandma's Day and Grandparents' Day (Dia dos avós) are celebrated on July 26. Since 2021, by the initiative of Pope Francis, the World Day of Grandmothers, Grandfathers, and the Elderly has been celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July in many countries around the world. The date was chosen in honor of St. Joachim and St. Anne — the apocryphal grandparents of Jesus Christ.

How the Holiday Is Celebrated in Different Countries

Despite different dates and names, the traditions of celebrating are largely similar. The main thing is attention, love, and gratitude. Grandchildren give their grandmothers flowers, cards, and gifts, organize festive dinners and tea parties, go for walks in nature, write letters of love, arrange photo sessions, or joint trips to the theater, museum, or park. For example, in the United States, it is customary to post photos of one's grandmothers with stories about their beauty and achievements on social media. In Russia, it is customary to give indoor plants in pots with a special meaning.

Conclusion

"Grandma's Day" is not one specific holiday with a single date. It is an entire array of wonderful days scattered throughout the calendars of different countries. In the United States, it is July 23 — Gorgeous Grandma Day, in Russia — the last Sunday in September (Beautiful Grandma's Day) or October 28 (Grandparents' Day), in Poland — January 21, in France — the first Sunday in March, in Germany — the second Sunday in October, in Japan — the third Monday in September. And in each country, this day is filled with warmth, flowers, and sincere love for those who give us their wisdom and care.

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