On Friday, May 9, 2025, various cities across Brazil celebrated Mother's Day early with a series of special events dedicated to honoring mothers. From heartfelt lunches to engaging activities, these celebrations brought joy and recognition to mothers in different communities.
In Maceió, the Restaurante Popular do Centro organized a festive program to mark the occasion. The event featured a special menu that included frango gratinado, torta de frango, arroz de beterraba, macarrão ao molho, legumes refogados, and a delicious bolo de chocolate for dessert. Yasminne Cavalcante, the director of Food Security at the Social Development Secretariat, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "Today, in particular, we have a menu that was prepared with a lot of love, fun, and, above all, with a lot of nutritional value for the people of Maceió who always deserve the best."
Guests were treated to gifts and lively music from the Guarda Civil de Maceió band, enhancing the festive atmosphere. One participant, Dona Maria Cristina, expressed her happiness, saying, "I confess that I am very happy to participate in this beautiful party with so much sensitivity in every aspect. I am a mother and grandmother, and celebrating this date always has a very special meaning, especially in such a wonderful place like this. They deserve congratulations." The Restaurante Popular, located on Rua Barão de Alagoas, provides affordable meals, with breakfast priced at R$ 1.00 and lunch at R$ 3.00.
Meanwhile, in Ceará, the Secretaria do Esporte do Estado do Ceará (Sesporte) hosted an event titled "Mãe na Faixa VIP" for its employees on the same day. The gathering was filled with culture, food, and emotional tributes. Secretary Rogério Pinheiro welcomed the mothers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. "Gratitude to all of you, mothers and daughters. A mother is a more special being who is more loved and adored, our point of balance, support, our safe harbor," he said.
The event included an exhibition called 'A Máquina do Tempo' at the Museu da Fotografia and concluded with a confraternization lunch that featured tributes and gifts. Rosângela Aguiar, the Executive Secretary of Sports, shared an empowering message, stating, "I want to tell you who work because you like it, work because you need to and are mothers, that we will leave a little of this guilt aside because what matters is the quality of our coexistence with the people we love."
In João Pessoa, the Prefeitura held an early Mother's Day celebration at the Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Bica). Organized by the Secretaria de Meio Ambiente (Seman) in collaboration with the Social Development, Health, and Human Rights and Citizenship Secretariats, the event honored 30 women from the Cozinhas Comunitárias and Bica staff. Activities included health services, gymnastics, stretching exercises, an ecological tour, and a motivational lecture. The director of the park, Milenna Simões, expressed her satisfaction with the event, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for mothers to enjoy a day in nature.
Maria Deodato da Costa Anchieta, a 70-year-old resident, praised the event as a "marvel." She remarked, "I already know Bica, but it had been a while since I came here. The train ride was great, and it was wonderful to celebrate Mother's Day like this." Another attendee, Andréia Barbosa Teixeira, emphasized the joy of gathering with others, saying, "For me, it was wonderful to have a space like this to bring everyone together. I just have to be grateful for today."
In São José dos Campos, the Casas do Idoso organized special activities for Mother's Day. Each unit offered a variety of programs that delighted attendees. At the Casa do Idoso Leste, the festivities included a Show de Prêmios Especial, a piano concert, and performances featuring violão, coral, and dança do ventre, along with a community coffee. Maria Aparecida Barcelar Santos, a 65-year-old attendee, shared her emotional experience, stating, "I participated in all the attractions, which were wonderful. I cried with joy and emotion. Instead of paying for a psychologist, I decided to come and participate in the activities at the Casa do Idoso. It has improved everything. The Casa do Idoso has become my life."
The Casa do Idoso Sul showcased performances of dança do ventre and dança cigana, a Show de Prêmios Especial, and a presentation by the Orquestra Sinfônica Luzes da Ribalta. The Casa do Idoso Centro featured a theater performance, a musical show, and a community coffee, along with a lecture on "Mães que Envelhecem Continuam sendo Mães." The Casa do Idoso Norte planned a special Mother's Day night ball on the evening of May 9, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM, and a craft event for May 13, 2025, focusing on Mother's Day-themed activities.
These celebrations across Brazil not only honored mothers but also fostered community spirit and provided moments of joy and connection. As families and friends gathered to celebrate the love and dedication of mothers, the events highlighted the importance of recognizing and valuing the roles that mothers play in society.