Children all around the world are seen as little, free-spirited and innocent humans with so much creativity. They are our future. They are precious to us. So we must show them that despite their immature age, they are extremely important to many. In Mexico, they have done exactly that for almost a century. A celebration for all the children. El Día del Niño is a holiday celebrated by the Mexican community on April 30th to honor children and remind people of how valuable they are.
How It Began
In 1924, Mexican President Alvaro Obregon decided to celebrate children by making a national holiday that would eventually spread across the world. For this, he signed the League of Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child. The following year is when this holiday would first be celebrated. Since then, Mexico has been celebrating this day throughout the years and continues to do so today.
Other countries heard about this and eventually decided to celebrate as well. 30 years after Mexico started celebrating Día del Niño, it was recommended by the United Nations for every country to establish a holiday for celebrating children.
The way this works for children is, if April 30th falls on a weekend, most cities will host a party for the kids to be celebrated. However, if it falls on a school day, unfortunately, they do need to attend school. But most of the time, the school will cancel any classes and instead will have a party called “kermes” which will include food, dance, and different game stations for the kids to enjoy.
Why It Matters
People might be wondering why would it matter if people celebrate children for simply being children. The answer is quite simple, but it is also something that many adults forget. This day is not just to celebrate them for being young.
It is for adults to remember that despite their young age, they as well have rights and feelings as any other human being. It is to bring awareness to all the children suffering from the abuse of adults. To remind people that there are children out there who are not able to fully enjoy their precious childhood due to poverty.
Día del Niño is much more than just giving children a party. It is a day to remind adults that discrimination against children exists. No matter how young they are, they matter, for they are humans just like everyone else and deserve as much respect as any other person.
Where to Go Celebrate in Chicago?
A youth activist from Chicago, Almighty Blessing has organized an event for all the children in the West Side community. He stated that he was inspired to make this happen because he believes “the West Side of Chicago currently lacks a lot of resources in schools and food deserts in the communities directly affect our children and youth.”
This event will be open to the public and everyone can join in. Last year, he did something incredible for the community for Día Del Niño. He was able to establish a successful 48-hour-peace challenge.
“The goal was for the street tribes to put the guns down and avoid violence for 48 hours, in order for kids to come outside and enjoy the day for two days. And it was successful,” stated Blessing.
As far as he knows, this won’t be the last event he will be hosting for Día Del Niño. He is planning many more future events for the years to come.
“We are currently in the works on creating three events. One will be for the national play ball day, the second for a back-to-school event with many school necessities, and also an art program that will be highlighting children’s musical, dance, and artistic talents in the Chicago area,” said Blessing. This day is very important to many people and children because they are the future.
Join in the Celebration
This year, St. Agatha Catholic Church and Almighty Blessing have partnered up to host a free community Día del Niño celebration. Anybody in the community is welcome to join on April 30. Festivities will begin immediately after mass at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held at 3151 West Douglas Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60623.
There will be activities, food, games, and entertainment. Activities will last until 2 p.m., so stop by and have some free family fun!
If anyone is interested in donating or purchasing a table for the event they can contact Almighty Blessing at 312-569-2016. Furthermore, people who are wanting to write a check, please write them out to St. Agatha Catholic Church. These donations can be mailed in or dropped off at 3147 W Douglas Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60623.
Written by Erika Cano
Sources:
ABQ Mom: Celebrate Día del Niño!
Interview: Almighty Blessing, April 12, 2023
Na’atik Mexico: El Día Del Niño – Children’s Day
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of bluesbby Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of Emma Forsberg Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
