We have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, even Grandparent’s Day, but when do we celebrate our kids? Not just a day when we think about our children—after all, as I simultaneously write this post, decorate a Fiesta float for my son’s preschool class, and attempt to pack a reasonably nutritious yet attractive lunch for tomorrow, that day is every day! What I mean is a special time dedicated just to the awesomeness of children, the magic of childhood, and the wonder and fun children add to every day.
“El Día de los Niños,” or “Children’s Day,” is just that: a celebration of childhood that began in the United States in 1997. It’s based on the traditional Mexican holiday of the same name, but the American version expanded to include books and literacy when Texan author Pat Mora embraced the holiday in the late ’90s and included a commitment to promote literacy. In 1998, the U.S. Congress officially designated April 30, the last day of National Poetry Month, as “Day of the Child.”
Not surprisingly, San Antonio widely celebrates Día de los Niños. Port San Antonio hosts Fiesta de los Niños on April 18. Described as a party for “pint-sized folks,” the festivities start with a parade that will lead the way through Port San Antonio at noon, with games and rides available for kids and live music for the adults.
On May 2 at 2:00 P.M., the San Antonio Central Library will host an activity session in the Story Room called “My World, Mi Mundo” to celebrate El Día de los Niños, with stories, maps, and activities centered on global diversity. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower hosts an annual Día de los Niños celebration on April 26, starting with a children’s mass at 9:00 A.M. and a special blessing of the children. A festival begins at 10:00 A.M. and ends at 4:00 P.M., with live music, food, bounce houses, pony rides, arts & crafts, a train ride, Chencho the Clown, games, and even finger printing with the sheriff’s department.
I love Pat Mora’s vision of connecting a celebration of children with what she calls “bookjoy,” or the pleasure of reading. In our house we celebrate with my son’s favorite food on the planet, “paletas” (popsicles), and snuggling in the tepee with our favorite books. Book Fiesta by Pat Mora has a special place in my heart since it was one of the first books we received as a baby gift when I was pregnant. It’s a beautiful book, in both English and Spanish, that makes for a perfect introduction to Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros.[hr]
Does your family celebrate Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros? What are your favorite “Dia” traditions and books?
