Mother’s Day is widely celebrated on the second Sunday of May across the globe. Nations like the US, Canada, Australia, India, and many European countries mark the day with heartfelt gestures—flowers, cards, breakfast in bed, and warm expressions of appreciation for mothers.
However, in northern Belgium, particularly in the city and province of Antwerp, a distinct and long-standing tradition exists. Rather than celebrating in May, Antwerp observes Mother’s Day on August 15. This unique observance, deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and historical significance, stands apart amid an increasingly globalized standard of celebrating the day in May.
The Birth of a Tradition
In Antwerp, the link between Mother’s Day and the Assumption of Mary—the Catholic feast on August 15—carries both spiritual and cultural weight. Honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus, blends religious reverence with civic celebration in a way that has endured for over a century.
Even today, certain neighborhoods in Antwerp host processions bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary. These parades showcase a deep connection between motherhood, religious devotion, and local identity. As noted by Eurotoday, this intertwining of sacred symbolism and public tradition reinforces the unique character of Antwerp’s celebration.
Mary, revered as a paragon of maternal grace and sacrifice, became the symbol of all mothers when Antwerp-based artist and alderman Frans Van Kuyck proposed tying Mother’s Day to the Assumption feast. This spiritual foundation has helped the tradition persevere through shifts in modern cultural norms.
The Influence of Religion and Symbolism
Celebrating Mother’s Day on August 15 isn’t merely symbolic—it reflects the city’s historical devotion to Catholicism. For generations, Antwerp residents have honored Mary on this day. Churches hold special Masses, and processions march through the city carrying Marian icons, expressing the core values of motherhood, faith, and local pride.
In aligning the day with Mary’s feast, Van Kuyck elevated the status of everyday mothers to that of spiritual importance. This combination of reverence and tradition has fortified Antwerp’s version of the holiday against the tide of globalization.
Civic Pride and Cultural Identity
What sets Antwerp’s Mother’s Day apart is the city’s unwavering commitment to its local observance. Even after U.S. President Woodrow Wilson officially set Mother’s Day for May 15 in 1914—a date later adopted by most of Belgium—Antwerp remained loyal to its August tradition.
Municipal authorities, schools, and businesses in Antwerp continue to honor mothers on August 15. This steadfast devotion to local identity has preserved the unique date amid an increasingly interconnected global culture. For many residents, shifting the celebration from August would dilute the tradition’s true essence.
How Antwerp Celebrates Mother’s Day
Though the calendar differs, the spirit of Antwerp’s celebration is similar to the rest of the world. Children often surprise their mothers with breakfast in bed, heartfelt cards, fresh flowers, and thoughtful gifts.
Families come together for communal meals and to express gratitude for a mother’s care and commitment. Churches hold special Marian services, and municipalities sometimes organize celebratory events with music and storytelling to honor motherhood.
Schools also embrace the tradition. In the lead-up to August 15, teachers help students create handmade gifts – from artwork and poems to paper flowers – which become lasting keepsakes cherished by families.
The Rest of Belgium
Outside of Antwerp, the second Sunday in May remains the standard date for Mother’s Day, mirroring global practices. Yet, the difference is seen as a celebration of rich regional diversity rather than a point of contention.
It’s not uncommon for families with ties to both traditions to mark the holiday twice—once in May and again in August. In this way, some lucky mothers in Belgium receive double the love.
Businesses and media support both dates, offering extended promotions and marketing campaigns. The dual observance also offers retailers two opportunities to maximize consumer engagement around the celebration.
International Perspective on Mother’s Day
Many other regions around the world also observe Mother’s Day in culturally distinctive ways:
- United Kingdom: Observed during Lent on the fourth Sunday, rooted in Christian
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