Friends Day
July 20, Sunday
Origins of Friends Day
The idea of Friends Day was popularized by Argentine professor Enrique Ernesto Febbraro. He chose July 20 as the date to commemorate the first moon landing in 1969, believing that the event united people across the globe and symbolized the power of human connection and friendship.
Friends Day in Argentina
In Argentina, Friends Day is widely celebrated on July 20. It is one of the most popular unofficial holidays in the country. On this day:
- Restaurants and bars are often fully booked.
- People organize gatherings with friends.
- Social media is flooded with messages of appreciation and love for friends.
Friends Day in Brazil
In Brazil, Friends Day is celebrated on July 20 as well, although it is not as widely observed as in Argentina. Additionally, Brazil also celebrates:
- Dia do Amigo e da Amizade (Friendship and Friends Day) on July 18, recognized by the United Nations.
- Dia Internacional da Amizade (International Friendship Day) on July 30.
Friends Day in Uruguay
Uruguay also celebrates Friends Day on July 20. The holiday is similar in spirit to Argentina’s celebration, with people:
- Organizing get-togethers.
- Exchanging small gifts or tokens of appreciation.
- Posting messages on social media.
Conclusion
Friends Day is a heartfelt celebration of friendship in several Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries. While the traditions may vary slightly, the core message remains the same: to cherish and honor the bonds of friendship that enrich our lives.