A video circulating on TikTok has captured the hearts of hundreds of Cubans both on the island and abroad with its humor, tenderness, and the cultural clash that many mixed couples are all too familiar with.
In the recording, a German man, married to a Cuban woman identified as @gisellyfajardo81, decides to give himself a self-congratulation for Father's Day.
While his wife sleeps, he carefully arranges several gifts and breakfast in bed. Everything is ready to surprise her. Then, he pretends to be asleep.
When she wakes up and sees the scene, all beautifully staged, she reacts with a mix of surprise and affection.
“Oh, my God, my love… thank you so much”, he says. However, she quickly clarifies the situation with typical local humor: “But darling, today is Father's Day in Cuba… are you Cuban?”
"Yes, I know, I am Cuban!" was his response, without hesitation.
What happened to the date?
What seemed like a simple confusion of dates to many actually has a cultural explanation. In Cuba, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, while in Germany this year it took place on Thursday, May 25, coinciding with the Christian holiday of Ascension (Christi Himmelfahrt).
Since 1936, Ascension Day has been an official holiday in Germany, and over time it has merged with the celebration of Father's Day. According to some religious interpretations, this coincidence might hold symbolic significance: the ascension of Jesus to the Kingdom of Heaven represents unity with his heavenly Father, which has led to the suggestion, albeit not proven, of a shared origin of both commemorations.
How is it celebrated in Germany?
Far from the familiar Cuban style, in Germany, the tradition of Father's Day has evolved into a genuine men's celebration. Since the 19th century, men have been resting all morning while their wives prepared a generous lunch for them. Afterwards, they were placed on decorated wheelbarrows and taken to the town square, where a "father of the year" was even chosen.
Nowadays, the tradition continues, but with a more spirited twist. Groups of parents traverse the countryside on outings with wheelbarrows full of beer and schnapps until they find a comfortable meadow where they can toast to fatherhood… and to the existence of alcohol. The popular saying sums it all up: “Alcohol is bad, therefore, we must finish it off.”
Indeed, the excess of celebration is significant: each year, German Father's Day records the highest number of disputes and a notable increase in traffic accidents, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office.
Frequently Asked Questions about Father's Day in Cuba and Germany
When is Father's Day celebrated in Cuba and in Germany?
In Cuba, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, while in Germany it coincides with Ascension Day, which this year fell on Thursday, May 25.
How is Father's Day celebrated in Germany?
In Germany, Father's Day is celebrated in a more festive and boozy manner, with groups of fathers traversing the countryside on outings with wheelbarrows filled with beer and spirits, toasting to fatherhood and the existence of alcohol.
Why does Father's Day in Germany coincide with Ascension Day?
The coincidence of Father's Day with Ascension Day in Germany has a symbolic background, where the ascension of Jesus to the Kingdom of Heaven is related to the union with his heavenly Father, although this interpretation is not proven.
What cultural differences exist in the celebration of Father's Day between Cuba and Germany?
In Cuba, Father's Day has a more family-oriented and emotional tone, whereas in Germany it is celebrated with an outdoor men's party, which includes alcohol and is known for its excesses, such as an increase in brawls and traffic accidents.
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