Celebrating Father’s Day the Brazilian Way

Introdução

Todo segundo domingo de agosto, o Brasil celebra o Dia dos Pais. É um dia para honrar pais, padrastos, avós e todas as figuras paternas que nos dão amor, orientação e apoio. E enquanto a data é comemorada no mundo todo, cada país tem suas próprias tradições. Aqui no Brasil, o foco está em passar tempo de qualidade com a família. Mas, afinal, o que o Dia dos Pais em diferentes culturas tem a ver com o seu aprendizado de inglês? A gente te mostra como essa data especial pode ser a sua melhor aula!

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Every second Sunday of August, families across Brazil celebrate Father’s Day (Dia dos Pais). It’s a day to honor fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures for all the love, guidance, and support they offer. While Father’s Day is celebrated around the world, each country has its own traditions — and in Brazil, it’s all about spending quality time with family.

How Do Brazilians Celebrate Father’s Day?

In Brazil, Father’s Day is often marked by big family lunches, homemade gifts, and emotional messages. Kids at school prepare cards and crafts for their dads, and families gather around the table for a special Sunday meal. Whether it’s a barbecue, a hearty feijoada, or a simple homemade dish, the focus is on togetherness.

Some families plan small surprises or gift their fathers with tools, clothing, or gadgets, while others focus on spending the day doing activities together, like fishing, watching football, or enjoying a movie marathon. Social media also plays a role, with timelines filled with loving tributes, throwback photos, and warm memories.

Father’s Day Around the World

Did you know that Father’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the globe? In the United States, the UK, and many other countries, it takes place in June. But in Brazil, the date was set in August back in 1953, originally chosen for commercial reasons close to winter holidays, and it stuck ever since.

These cultural differences also bring different ways of celebrating. While Americans might give their dads ties or mugs that say “World’s Best Dad,” Brazilians are more likely to write long, emotional messages or sing along to sentimental songs that play on the radio.

A Good Time to Learn Family Vocabulary

Since this holiday revolves around family, it’s a perfect opportunity to practice English vocabulary related to family relationships. Words like father, dad, stepfather, son, daughter, grandfather, uncle, and even expressions like father figure can help you talk about your loved ones in a more personal way.

Here’s a quick tip:

In Portuguese, you might say “meu pai puxou ao meu avô,” but in English, you’d say:
“My dad takes after my grandfather.”
These kinds of expressions can be confusing, but with practice, they become part of your natural communication.

Music, Memories, and Emotions

Music often sets the emotional tone for this day. From Elton John’s “Father and Son” to Luther Vandross’s “Dance With My Father” or even country songs that tell touching family stories, there’s no shortage of English-language tracks that explore the father-child bond.

Listening to songs in English is a powerful way to build emotional vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and learn how language expresses deep feelings. Try picking your favorite Father’s Day song and translating part of the lyrics. You might discover new words — and new emotions.

Every Word Counts

Whether you’re writing a message, posting a tribute, or having a heartfelt conversation, Father’s Day offers many real-life opportunities to practice your English. Expressing gratitude, sharing stories, or simply describing what makes your father special. All of these moments help you build fluency and confidence.

And even if you can’t be with your father this year, sending a voice message or writing an email in English can be a thoughtful way to practice language while connecting emotionally.

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At Apollo Academy, we believe that language learning is personal. Through meaningful topics like family, relationships, and memories, we make English relevant, engaging, and fun. Come talk about your story with us — and make your English journey unforgettable.

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What’s the perfect gift for your dad?

Planning the perfect family lunch can be stressful, but the result is always worth it. Answer these questions and let’s find out what you should give your father.

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What's the main dish for the family lunch?

Pizza and snacks because nobody wants to cook.

A delicious barbecue with a lot of meat.

Fancy salmon with roasted vegetables.

The traditional lasagna that everyone loves.

What's the best part of the family lunch?

The dessert, everyone knows the desserts are the best.

The great conversations and quality time together.

The good food. I mean, we come for the food.

The competitive game of cards that happens after the meal.

How does the family lunch end?

With a hug and promises to see each other next week.

We take a group picture for the family album.

We're still talking and laughing, nobody wants to leave.

Everyone leaves with leftovers for later.

What's the most common conversation topic?

We talk about the old times, telling funny stories.

We are discussing the latest TV show we've watched.

We are making plans for our next family vacation.

We are talking about the news and things that are happening around the world.

What is the family lunch dress code?

Sunday best! We all like to look good for the occasion.

T-shirts from our favorite sports teams.

Casual and comfortable, everyone wears what they want.

Smart casual, with a nice shirt for the guys.

What kind of music is playing?

We are talking so much that we forget to turn on the music.

We are playing some classical music.

A chill playlist with some good pop songs.

My dad's favorite band is playing loudly.

How do you prepare the table?

We just use disposable plates and napkins to avoid the mess.

I use the good plates and some flowers for decoration.

I get the traditional tablecloth and the good plates to make everyone feel special.

I use the fancy plates, the good glasses, and the best tablecloth.

What's the perfect gift for your dad?

A New Toolset

You're a practical and detail-oriented person. Your family lunch is all about efficiency and making sure everyone is comfortable. You know your dad appreciates a good, useful gift, and a new toolset is a perfect choice. He'll love having the right tool for every job, and he'll think of you every time he uses it.

A "World's Best Dad" Mug

You're a classic and sentimental soul. Family lunch for you is about tradition and creating heartwarming memories. You know your dad's favorite jokes and stories, and you want to give him something that shows how much you appreciate him. A "World's Best Dad" mug is a simple but meaningful gift that will make him smile every morning.

A Trip to the Football Stadium

You're the fun and adventurous one in the family. Your family lunch is a lively event full of laughter and maybe a little bit of chaos. Your dad loves spending quality time with you and an experience is the best gift you can give him. A trip to the football stadium is a great way to create new memories and have a lot of fun together.

A Fancy Watch

You're a sophisticated and stylish person. Your family lunch is an elegant affair, with good food and great conversation. You believe in giving high-quality gifts that reflect your dad's class and your appreciation for him. A fancy watch is a timeless present that he can wear on special occasions and will remember you every time he sees it.

A Beer Crate with his Name

You're a laid-back and chill person. Your family lunch is a relaxed barbecue where everyone can be themselves. Your dad is a cool guy who loves a good laugh and a cold beer. A personalized beer crate is the perfect gift that says "Cheers to the best dad ever" and shows him you know what he really likes.