International Day of Families

International Day of Families History

International Day of Families celebrates the importance of families as the fundamental units of society, promoting equal opportunities, social cohesion, and intergenerational solidarity. The day serves as a reminder to governments, institutions, and individuals that families are crucial in nurturing and protecting their members, especially in times of crisis. By recognizing the strength, resilience, and support provided by families, the International Day of Families encourages the development and implementation of policies promoting family well-being and acknowledges the diverse forms and structures of families around the world.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Families in 1993, with the first observance taking place in 1994. Since then, each year's celebration follows a specific theme addressing different aspects of family life, such as work-family balance, intergenerational connections, or social integration. These themes are chosen to highlight the challenges faced by families globally and emphasize the need for collaborative actions from governments, communities, and individuals in addressing these challenges. Activities held on this day include workshops, conferences, and special events aimed at fostering discussions, improving public understanding, and raising awareness about family issues.

On this day, communities across Canada and the world are encouraged to come together, celebrate the importance of families, and work towards nurturing and supporting family health, happiness, and togetherness. The day serves as a reminder of the vital role families play in fostering strong, vibrant societies, and in turn, promoting a more peaceful and just world for all. International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May each year.

International Day of Families facts

• The theme for International Day of Families in 2023 was Demographic Trends and Families.
  In 2022, the theme was Families and Urbanization.
• The average Canadian family has decreased in size from 3.7 persons in the 1970s to 2.51 persons in 2021.
• About 2.9% of the Canadian population (2.4 million people) lived in multigenerational households in 2021, largely driven by immigration patterns and cultural preferences. This type of household typically includes at least three generations residing together.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day of Families

Top things to do in Canada for International Day of Families

• Spend time with your family. Go on vacation, visit an amusement park, find something that everyone in the family can enjoy.
• The City of Toronto's annual Movies in the Park event series often kicks off on the International Day of Families. Past viewings have included family-friendly hits like Toy Story, The Lion King, and The Incredibles.
• Visit the Surrey International Children's Festival held in Surrey, British Columbia. It is a three-day event featuring a range of international performances, workshops, and activities for children and families.