Bolivia's Special Day To Honor Mothers

Mother's Day in Bolivia, or 'El Día de la Madre', is celebrated annually on the 27th of May. Unlike many other countries, the significance of this day does not come from religion but instead pays homage to a group of women who died fighting for their country. On the 27th of May, 1812, a group of women fought against the Spanish army to protect their children and homes while their husbands were away fighting. Although the women were ultimately defeated, their bravery is commemorated in Bolivia every year on this date.

The history of Mother's Day in Bolivia

Mother's Day in Bolivia, or El Día de la Madre, is observed annually on the 27th of May. Unlike many other countries, the day has no religious significance or association with any individual or single act. Instead, it commemorates a group of women who fought and died for their beliefs.

On the 27th of May, 1812, Bolivian women participated in battle for the first time. Latin America was fighting for independence from Spain, and the King sent General Goyeneche to suppress the uprisings in Cochabamba. Goyeneche had already defeated the revolutionaries twice, but he now faced a new army—the Heroines of the Hill. While the men fought a bloody battle, the women, led by an elderly blind woman called Josefa Manueal Gandarillas, formed a resistance called "For the Defence of Our Homes". This army consisted of women, children, and elders, and they armed themselves with sticks, saucepans, and other small weapons. They strategically positioned themselves on the hill of San Sebastian, also known as the Coronilla, crying, "Our home is sacred".

On the 27th of May, Goyeneche's army slaughtered hundreds of women and children. Three days later, the city of Cochabamba was occupied by the Spaniards. The women who fought were posthumously awarded the title "Heroinas de la Coronilla" or Heroines of the Hill, and their bravery and legacy are remembered as one of the most important days in Bolivian history. On the 8th of November, 1927, May 27 was officially declared Mother's Day in Bolivia to commemorate these heroic women who helped liberate the country from the Spaniards.

Mother's Day is a widely celebrated holiday in Bolivia, second only to Christmas. Mothers are revered and considered the foundation of households and communities. On this day, families come together to play games, perform traditional dances, and share meals. Children also invite their mothers to their schools, where they are honoured with a special programme and various activities. Gifts of flowers and, more traditionally, a large cream cake, are exchanged.

How Bolivians celebrate Mother's Day

Mother's Day in Bolivia, or El Día de la Madre, is celebrated annually on the 27th of May. Unlike many other countries, the significance of this day does not come from religion but instead pays tribute to a group of courageous women who lost their lives fighting for their beliefs.

On the 27th of May, 1812, the infamous Spanish General Goyeneche unexpectedly led his troops into combat against a growing revolution of Bolivians in what is now known as Cochabamba. As the Bolivian men and husbands were away fighting for their country, the women decided to arm themselves to protect their children and homes. Despite their bravery, they were no match for the Spanish army, and every woman on the Coronilla was killed. Three days later, the city was occupied by the Spanish.

To commemorate the valour of these women, the 27th of May was officially declared Mother's Day in Bolivia on the 8th of November in the same year. Today, it is a happy and respectful occasion, particularly strongly celebrated in schools. A month in advance, activities are prepared, including shows, meals, and traditional dances. Children present their mothers with gifts, often a large cream cake instead of flowers, which are more common in Western countries.

On Mother's Day, Bolivians celebrate not only their own mothers but also send congratulations and gifts to all their friends who are mothers. Large, extended families get together to celebrate with an elaborate meal or fancy tea. Mothers are revered and lavished with attention, especially by their children, who may recite poems, sing songs, or perform plays for them.

The importance of mothers in Bolivian culture

Mother's Day in Bolivia is a day to honour and celebrate the women who gave us life and the influence they bring to their households and communities. It is held annually on the 27th of May, a date that is linked to an important historical event involving mothers and strong, brave women.

The story of Mother's Day in Bolivia began over two hundred years ago, on the 27th of May 1812, in the city of Cochabamba. At the time, Latin America was fighting for independence from Spain, and the Spanish King sent General Goyeneche to quash the uprisings. With their husbands and brothers away fighting elsewhere, the women of Cochabamba decided to take up arms and defend their city and children. Under the leadership of an elderly blind woman named Josefa/Manuela Manueal Gandarillas, they formed an army consisting of women, children, and elders, armed with sticks, saucepans, and other small weapons. They strategically positioned themselves on San Sebastian Hill (now known as Cerro San Sebastián), overlooking the city, and cried out, "Our home is sacred".

Unfortunately, the women's valiant effort ended in tragedy as they were massacred by General Goyeneche's troops. Despite their defeat, their bravery and courage were not forgotten. On November 8, 1927, a law was passed declaring May 27th as Mother's Day in Bolivia, also known as the "Day of the Heroines of Coronillas". This day commemorates the heroic women who fought and died defending their city and children, and it is considered one of the most important days in Bolivian history.

Mother's Day is a widely celebrated holiday in Bolivia, second only to Christmas in terms of significance. Mothers are revered and lavished with attention, especially on this day. Families gather to celebrate with elaborate meals or fancy tea, and children present their mothers with gifts, flowers, and a traditional cream cake. Schools play a significant role in the celebrations, with students reciting poems, performing plays, and presenting their mothers with handmade crafts.

The role of schools in Mother's Day celebrations

Mothers are revered in Bolivia, and Mother's Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the country. It is a day to show appreciation and gratitude to mothers and mother figures. This day holds a special significance in Bolivian schools, where children pay homage to their mothers and warmly invite them to their classrooms.

Schools play a crucial role in Mother's Day celebrations in Bolivia. The law requires that all schools and educational institutions pay tribute to mothers on May 27th, the day that has been officially designated as Mother's Day in the country. Schools begin preparing for this special day well in advance, often a month earlier, with activities that include shows, meals, and traditional dances. Students eagerly involve themselves in crafting handmade gifts, reciting poems, singing songs, and putting on plays to honour their mothers.

On Mother's Day, schools in Bolivia buzz with excitement as they open their doors to students' families. The celebrations are divided into two main parts: a special programme where children express their love and gratitude to their mothers, and another part where mothers are invited into the classrooms to share in the festivities. The entire school community, from students to teachers, comes together to celebrate motherhood and the important role mothers play in Bolivian society.

The history behind Bolivia's Mother's Day is unique and deeply rooted in the country's fight for independence. It commemorates the brave women of Cochabamba, who, in 1812, took up arms to defend their city against Spanish troops. These women, known as the "Heroines of the Hill" or "Heroinas de la Coronilla", fought valiantly but ultimately lost their lives in the battle. Their courage and sacrifice are honoured every year on Mother's Day, with schools playing a central role in perpetuating their memory.

Mother's Day in Bolivia is not just a day for children to celebrate their mothers but also a day to recognise the strength and resilience of Bolivian women throughout history. Schools help foster a sense of community and gratitude by encouraging students to celebrate not only their mothers but also their aunts, cousins, sisters, and friends who are mothers. This inclusive spirit ensures that no one is left out of the celebrations, reflecting the country's deep respect for mothers and the challenges they often face as the primary caregivers and breadwinners in many families.

Mother's Day as a non-public holiday

Mother's Day in Bolivia is celebrated annually on the 27th of May. Unlike many other countries, this date does not have religious roots or stem from an individual or act. Instead, it pays tribute to a group of courageous women who lost their lives fighting for their beliefs.

On 27 May 1812, the infamous Spanish General Goyeneche unexpectedly led his troops into battle against a growing revolution of Bolivians in the small town of Cochabamba. As the Bolivian men and husbands were away fighting for their country, the women took up arms to protect their children and homes. They bravely fought against the Spaniards, scaling San Sebastian Hill (the Coronilla) with the rallying cry of "Our home is sacred". Unfortunately, the women were massacred, and three days later, the city was occupied by the Spanish.

To commemorate the bravery of these women, later known as the "Heroines of the Coronilla" or "Heroinas de la Coronilla", May 27 was officially declared Mother's Day in Bolivia on November 8, 1927. It is not a public holiday, and businesses maintain their normal opening hours. However, it is one of the most celebrated occasions in the country after Christmas.

Mother's Day in Bolivia is a happy and respectful occasion, particularly strongly observed in schools. Activities are often prepared a month in advance and include shows, meals, and traditional dances. Young Bolivians typically present their mothers with a large cream cake instead of flowers, which is the more common tradition in Western countries. Families gather to celebrate with dinner or an elaborate afternoon tea, and mothers are lavished with attention and gifts.

The day is also about celebrating all women who play a maternal role in the community, not just biological mothers. It is common for people to send congratulations and gifts to their friends who are mothers. Local newspapers feature articles where celebrities and well-known figures pay tribute to their mothers.

Frequently asked questions