Family Day in Uruguay: Why is it celebrated instead of Christmas?

by time news

2023-12-24 23:38:53

December 25 is a public holiday in most countries around the world. In many of them, Christmas is celebrated on this day, a religious holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus. However, in Uruguay, December 25 is Family Day.

This decision dates back to 1917, when Uruguayan President José Batlle y Ordóñez decreed that December 25 would be a national holiday to celebrate family. Batlle y Ordóñez was a progressive liberal who believed that the family was the basis of society. He wanted this day to be a time for families to come together and celebrate their love and support for each other.

Batlle y Ordóñez’s decision was controversial at the time. Some sectors of Uruguayan society, especially conservatives and religious people, opposed the measure. However, the decision stood and has become a tradition in Uruguay.

Today, Family Day is an important day in Uruguay. Families celebrate this day in a variety of ways, from gathering for a special meal to spending time together in recreational activities. Family Day is a time for Uruguayan families to reaffirm their love and commitment to each other.

The reasons for the decision

There are several reasons why Batlle y Ordóñez decided to make December 25 Family Day. First, he believed that the family was the basis of society. He believed that strong families were essential to a healthy and prosperous society.

Secondly, Batlle y Ordóñez was a secular liberal. He believed that the government should not support any particular religion. By making December 25 Family Day, Batlle y Ordóñez prevented the government from associating itself with a religious holiday.

Lastly, Batlle y Ordóñez wanted December 25 to be a day of celebration for all families, regardless of their religion or beliefs. He believed that all Uruguayans, regardless of their origin, should have a day to celebrate their families.

The impact of the decision

Batlle y Ordóñez’s decision has had a significant impact on Uruguayan society. Family Day is an important day for Uruguayan families. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate their love and support for each other.

Batlle y Ordóñez’s decision has also had a symbolic impact. It is a symbol of the secularity of the Uruguayan state and the importance given to the family in Uruguayan society.

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