Children's Day – “Dia das Crianças”
Just like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, Children's Day in Brazil is celebrated on a different date than in America. While international Children's Day takes place worldwide on June 1 each year, Brazil's “Dia das Crianças” is celebrated on October 12. On your trip to Brazil, you will realize that Brazilians love their children with all their heart and the best gift one can receive is children's laughter.
The history of “Dia das Crianças”
The beginning of “Dia das Crianças” dates back to 1923, when the third South American Congress of Children was held. The main themes of this congress were education, nutrition, and the development of children. Galdino do Valle Filho, a federal deputy at this time, took advantage of the government's interest in these issues and presented an idea in November of the following year. This idea set the date of “Dia das Crianças” at October 12. The first celebration took place the following year, but without much publicity.
This situation did not improve until the 1960s. There, the companies Johnson&Johnson and the toy company Estrela started a cooperation. Together, they used Brazilian Children's Day to launch their “Semana do Bebê Robusto”, a special week for the selling of children's dolls. The initiative was a huge success. The high sales figures were noticed by other manufacturers and marketers of children's items. Over the next few years, the focus shifted towards a children's week and was not put on children’s dolls alone anymore. Through the change of concept, the number of retailers involved increased.
What is celebrated?
Although it is a date focused on consumption, the Brazilian “Dia das Crianças” is a great opportunity to put spotlights on rights, health, care, and leisure of the little ones.
On this day, the rights of children and adolescents are honored. People, especially parents, are made aware of the care required during this phase of life. Traditionally, adults give gifts or provide special activities and entertainment for their kids. In addition to favorite foods, emphasis is often placed on having the closest friends together. The main aim is to have fun.
Basic children's rights
According to the United Nations Organization UNO, World Children's Day is based on the following principles:
- All children's rights should be guaranteed without distinction or discrimination.
- Children should be provided social protection and opportunities that promote their development.
- It is the right of the child to be given a name and a nationality.
- Both the child and the mother receive prenatal and postnatal care.
- Children with special needs have the right to the necessary treatment, education, and care.
- The child shall receive love and understanding for the development of his or her personality.
- The right to education to provide empowerment must be free at least in the early years.
- Children should be the first to receive help.
- Guaranteed protection in cases of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation.
- Protection in cases of discrimination, whether based on race, religion, or any other characteristic.
Children's Day Quotes
On “Dia das Crianças”, various poems or quotes are traditionally read aloud or given as postcards. Some favorite quotes are:
“Being a child is about living the magic of the moment. It is about looking at life with hope, developing fantasies, and believing that anything is possible.”
“Keep in yourself the child you once were, because when we grow up, the pressures of life make us forget the sweet sides of life.”
“May we learn from children and even in the difficulties of life, may we not stop living intensely and doing what makes us happy.”
“Children carry the purity and innocence that make us realize that a happier world is possible.”
It is clear that every childhood is meant to be carefree and imaginative. Since this period of life passes by faster than you think, the custom of celebrating “Dia das Crianças” is a beautiful opportunity to appreciate and focus on the young years. On your Brazil vacation, you will surely relive some childish enthusiasm as you find yourself immersed in the pure bliss of the natural paradise Amazonia or the magic of Rio Carnival!
Sources: www.brzinsurance.com, www.calendarr.com/brasil, www.uol.com.br