On 26 July, Spain celebrated El Dia Mundial de los Abuelos. Although the date is different in other countries, this recognition of the crucial role grandparents play in the family and the community is important: they teach; they take care of their children and grandchildren; and they leave behind a lasting legacy.
No matter how many years go by, their hugs and kisses, their stories, their advice and those tiny expressions of love always
In Spain grandparents fulfil a more important role than in Northern Europe and elsewhere. The family is fundamental to life. There is generally less mobility, for the typical Spaniard lives and dies where he was born. Yet the pull of the family is so strong that even those who do move away for work or study return to the family home on long weekends or for holidays.
July 26 is the chosen date in Spain because it is also the dia santo (saints' day) of Joaquin and Ana, the parents of the Virgin Mary and thus the grandparents of Jesus Christ.
© The History Man MMXXVI
Picture:
unCOMO
Thanks:
Google, Paul Whitelock, RTVE, Wikipedia
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