Mother’s Day in Greece is among the most tender celebrations of the year, carrying a rich history that weaves together ancient tradition, religious devotion, and modern cultural influences.

In 2026, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 10.

When Is It Celebrated?
In Greece, as in most European countries and the United States, Mother’s Day is a movable feast, observed on the second Sunday of May. Yet Greece holds a distinctive dual tradition, with two dates historically associated with honoring mothers.

February 2 — the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — was established in 1929 as the original day dedicated to motherhood. Its symbolism is deeply religious: it commemorates the Virgin Mary presenting the 40-day-old Jesus at the Temple, a ritual known in Greek tradition as the “sarantismos.” The Orthodox Church continues to regard this date as the authentic celebration of the Christian mother.

By the 1960s, however, Greece began adopting the Western observance in May. Over time, this springtime celebration, closely tied to flowers and renewal, came to dominate both social life and the marketplace.

Ancient Roots
Although the modern holiday traces its origins to the American movement led by Anna Jarvis, its deeper roots reach back to antiquity.

In ancient Greece, festivals were held in honor of Gaia, the primordial Mother Earth, and later her daughter Rhea, revered as the “Mother of the Gods.” These celebrations took place in spring, symbolizing fertility, rebirth, and the renewal of life — themes that continue to echo in today’s observance.

How It Is Celebrated Today
Mother’s Day in Greece is a warm, family-centered celebration marked by simple, heartfelt gestures.
Flowers—especially spring bouquets—are the most popular gift, while children often offer handmade cards and drawings.

Families typically gather for a shared meal, honoring both mothers and grandmothers. At its core, the day is about connection and gratitude rather than grand displays.