SAN DIEGO — This weekend is all about celebrating and honoring moms for Mother's Day. But for some Latin American countries, the celebrations start Friday.
In the U.S., Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday of May, while May 10 is the traditional date to honor mothers in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Belize.
“All in all, it’s a time for people to get together and celebrate," said Jesus Gonzalez, Executive Director of Border Angels.
The tradition originated in Mexico in the early 20th century and has since spread to other countries.
“It’s just that important. There are some holidays that are not so much, but this one in particular is really…. If you put it on a scale of 1-10, it’s probably the 10 range," said Gonzalez.
The day is typically filled with flowers, large family gatherings and community celebrations.
Lisa Cuestas, CEO of Casa Familiar, a nonprofit organization that works to support the border community, and says the date means a lot to our bi-national community.
“We go all out to spend that quality time and appreciate the moms who are with us and the ones who have passed and make sure to say thank you while they’re here," said Cuestas.
Many families use the date to come together to express their love and gratitude for mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures.
“They’re stabilizers and they really push the family forward in good times and tough times. And they’re the magnet in the best of ways to keep families together," added Cuestas.
For many who are separated by the border, the holiday is impacted by the closure of Friendship Park. The park has been a meeting point for families and friends separated by the border for decades.
“There’s good and difficult challenges with the border and being so close to the border. And one of those good things used to be what Friendship Park used to provide as an opportunity. Just to be able to reach out and touch somebody," said Cuestas.
“For some people that’s all they ever get to do and that’s really important," added Gonzalez.
Customs and Border Protection officials say the park will be able to reopen after the construction of the primary and secondary fences.
Despite the difference in dates, the sentiment behind Mother’s Day remains universal.
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