Father’s Day carries a deep, lasting meaning for many of us. It’s a chance to pause and appreciate the guidance, support, and steadiness of the father figures in our lives—whether that’s a dad, stepdad, grandad, or someone else who’s played that role. Over time, it’s grown beyond individual families into a widely recognised occasion that celebrates the value of fatherhood in society.
Around the world, people mark Father’s Day in different ways. In the UK, it’s usually celebrated on the third Sunday in June, but the date and traditions vary from country to country depending on local customs and religious calendars. What stays the same is the purpose: recognising the contribution fathers make—often quietly, and often every day.
The origins of Father’s Day go back further than many people realise. In parts of Catholic Europe, fathers have been honoured on 19 March (Saint Joseph’s Day) since the Middle Ages, with Saint Joseph seen as a symbol of devotion and care. The Eastern Orthodox Church also has its own older tradition, observing the “Sunday of the Forefathers” ahead of Christmas to honour biblical patriarchs and family lineage.
The modern version of Father’s Day, as we tend to know it today, took shape in the early 1900s in the United States. Early efforts included Grace Golden Clayton’s proposal in 1908, followed by Sonora Smart Dodd’s campaign in Spokane, Washington, which helped popularise the idea from 1910 onward. Even then, it took decades to become fully established, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that Father’s Day became a permanent holiday in the US.
Today, Father’s Day is celebrated in 100+ countries, although the dates and customs differ widely. Some places treat it as a public holiday, while others keep it more informal, centred around family time, food, and small gestures of appreciation. Many communities also recognise fatherhood through faith-based or cultural traditions, reflecting the different ways “father figures” show up in people’s lives—as caregivers, protectors, mentors, and role models.
In the UK, Father’s Day has become a popular moment for families to get together over a shared meal—because sometimes the simplest way to say “thank you” is by spending time together. If you’re planning something special, Borough Market is hard to beat for atmosphere, and a great option is making it a day out with Borough Market dining and standout seafood in London.
Book your Father’s Day meal at Fish Borough Market today – treat Dad to something special!