The Day of the Man is celebrated on March 19 in several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Honduras, and Bolivia. This observance is strongly linked to the religious figure of San José, the husband of the Virgin Mary, whose feast day is commemorated in Catholic tradition on this date. The roots of this celebration highlight the significance placed on masculine values and roles within society, particularly in the context of family.
In countries like Colombia, the Day of the Man is embraced as a cultural and religious observance. According to the Colombian government, March 19 was adopted in recognition of San José, celebrated since the 17th century. Pope Sixto IV established the feast of San José in 1621, and over the years, he was proclaimed the Universal Patron of the Church by Pope Pío IX in 1870. San José is revered not only as a saint but as a model of fatherhood and protector—qualities that the day aims to honor.
The relationship between March 19 and San José is a source of pride for many, given that in countries with a strong Catholic influence, this date is often associated with celebrating roles in both the family and society. Victor L. Johnson of El Sol de Hermosillo notes, "La conmemoración del Día del Hombre tiene dos fechas, el 19 de marzo y el 19 de noviembre, ambas con orígenes diferentes." This statement points to the dual observance that exists throughout the year.
While March’s celebration emphasizes religious and familial dimensions, the International Day of the Man, celebrated on November 19, delves into more secular themes regarding men's health and gender equality. Established in 1999 with support from UNESCO, this observance aims to address contemporary men’s issues, raising awareness about mental and physical health, as well as promoting male contributions to society. As outlined by El Universal, "El Día Internacional del Hombre busca visibilizar temas universales de la masculinidad."
The observance of November 19 was originally proposed by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from the University of the West Indies, who organized a public seminar to commemorate the day. This event not only sought to promote an understanding of men's roles but also aimed to highlight the necessity of gender equity and societal balance. Dr. Teelucksingh's initiative laid the groundwork for a celebration that, unlike the March observance, does not stem from religious tradition.
Despite these differing origins, the significance of the Day of the Man—both in March and November—remains rooted in recognizing and affirming men's contributions to family and society at large. March 19, in particular, serves to promote values of responsibility, care, and the commitment of men towards their families. "La elección de esta fecha para conmemorar el Día del Hombre se debe a que coincide con el Día de San José," emphasizes La Nación, underscoring the enduring relevance of this figure in discussions about masculinity.
As discourse shifts worldwide towards understanding gender dynamics, both observances reflect evolving definitions and responsibilities of masculinity. While the March celebration leans heavily on the traditional and religious undertones, the November observance broadly engages contemporary topics relevant to all men, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds.
In conclusion, the Day of the Man on March 19 invites reflection on the importance of fathers and male figures in nurturing family bonds, which is especially poignant within the context of Latin American family structures. By promoting responsible fatherhood and recognizing male contributions, society can work towards a more balanced view of gender roles, advocating for both men's health and family commitment across cultures.
