The Day of the Child is recognized and celebrated worldwide by more than 100 nations on Nov. 20 under United Nations decree; however, many Latin American countries including Mexico celebrate Día del Niño as a national holiday on other dates and also recognize the November event. Mexico’s Día del Niño is typically held on April 30th and has been around since the 1920s. In Peru Día del Niño is celebrated the third Sunday of August; October 1 in Guatemala; Sept. 9 in Costa Rica; April 12 in Bolivia; and the last Saturday of April in Colombia.

The United Nations officially established Universal Children’s Day in 1954 to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) promotes and coordinates this day and works to improve children’s health and welfare.

Children’s day recognizes the important role of children in the community and promotes a sense of understanding among young people of all nations. In Mexico and throughout Latin America children receive gifts and celebrate with music, arts and cultural and entertainment activities and local charities often donate toys to orphans and children in need.

As part of this year’s Día del Niño or Day of the Child the Consulate General of Mexico and five Denver arts/cultural facilities are offering free music, prizes, performances, entertainment and hands-on activities from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 29. On Sunday General Admission is Free at the The Byers-Evans House Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library. Children 12 years and younger get in free at the History Colorado Center, formerly the Colorado History Museum. On Sunday General Admission is included but regular fees apply for current displays and other exhibits.