Needless to say that in Italy the “mamma” is an institution like in no other country. So it is no surprise that we have Mother’s Day (Festa della mamma), which celebrates the mother (madre) figure, maternity and social influence of mothers.
Mother’s Day was introduced in the 1950s by Raul Zaccari, senator and mayor of Bordighera, which was celebrated at the initiative on the second Sunday of May. Since then, every year, the nearby parish of Tordibetto officially celebrated the Festa della mamma with important events (eventi) of a religious and cultural center. In 1958 Raul Zaccari presented to the Senate a bill to secure the creation of Mother’s Day, which was passed.
There is not a typical gift (regalo) for Mother’s Day. Only two traditions seem to have formed: husbands usually bring flowers to their wives (granted they are mothers too). Sons and daughters, if they are attending elementary school, usually present a poem in honor to their mothers, prepared at school. Very common are also cards, either bought or handmade by sons and daughters.