Nobody remembered: the curious case of International Men's Day on November 19
Yesterday, November 19th, something happened that happens practically every year: it was International Men's Day… and almost no one noticed. While March 8th is filled with flowers, messages, campaigns, reflections, and publications everywhere, Men's Day usually passes by like a discreet shadow between the calendar and daily life.
The interesting thing is that this day is not a recent invention. Since 1999, it has been officially celebrated in more than 80 countries, with a focus that has nothing to do with competing with International Women's Day. Its objective is to draw attention to men's physical and mental health, promote positive role models, and address issues that men often experience in silence, such as the social pressure to "be strong," low rates of seeking medical attention, and the rise in mental health problems.
However, the same thing happens every November 19th:
There are no mass campaigns.
There are no posters in the streets.
There are no special promotions.
And on social media… almost total silence.
Yesterday was no exception.
Many men went about their normal day without realizing that "their day" was on the calendar. Others found out through a meme that popped up on Facebook. And some only learned about it today, by reading this article.
Perhaps that's why it has become a small cultural phenomenon: Men's Day is the day that exists... but that nobody remembers.
There may not be gifts or celebrations, but it is a good excuse to remember something important: men's emotional and physical health also matters, and talking about these issues always makes a difference.
So, even if it's 24 hours late:
Happy International Men's Day to those who didn't know (or to those who knew but didn't say anything).