Friendship is one of the most meaningful connections we have — it brings joy to everyday life, support in tough moments, and memories that last. That’s why many countries celebrate it with a special day: El Día del Amigo, or Friendship Day.

Although customs vary across countries, the idea behind this celebration is universal: appreciating the people who choose to be part of our lives. Whether you're from Argentina, Brazil, or another country where this day is part of your culture, it’s a great time to celebrate friendship — and to share this tradition with your Host Family.

In this article, we’ll explore how Friendship Day is celebrated around the world and give you simple, creative ideas for celebrating it in your host country. It’s a chance not only to reconnect with old friends while being far from home but also to introduce your Host Family to something special to you.

The Story Behind El Día del Amigo

If you’re from Argentina, you probably already know the story — but did you know your Host Family might not? Sharing the origin of this holiday could be a fun conversation starter!

El Día del Amigo is celebrated in Argentina every year on July 20. It began thanks to Enrique Ernesto Febbraro, a teacher and dentist from Buenos Aires. When humans first landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, he saw it as a symbol of global unity: proof that we are all connected, no matter where we’re from. Inspired by that moment, Febbraro sent letters to people in over 100 countries proposing a day to celebrate friendship. He received hundreds of positive replies, and eventually, El Día del Amigo became a popular and beloved celebration in Argentina and other Latin American countries.

Even if your host country doesn’t formally celebrate this day, sharing its meaning could spark some beautiful cross-cultural moments and give your Host Family a glimpse into your values and traditions.

Friendship Day Around the World

While El Día del Amigo is most commonly associated with Argentina, many countries have their own version of a day to celebrate friendship.

• Brazil and Uruguay also celebrate friendship around late July or early August. It’s common to give small gifts or gather for meals with friends.
• Paraguay celebrates the International Day of Friendship on July 30. On this day, many people play Amigo Invisible (lit. “Invisible friend”, similar to Secret Santa), where everyone draws a name and gives that person a surprise gift.
• India celebrates friendship on the first Sunday of August. Friends tie colorful “friendship bands” around each other’s wrists and share heartfelt messages.
• While it is not an official holiday, in the United States and Canada, National Friendship Day is also observed on the first Sunday of August, and is often celebrated informally.
• In Finland and Estonia, people send cards or small gifts to their close friends on February 14th. Valentine’s Day focuses more on platonic love than romance.

No matter the date or tradition, the meaning is the same: taking time to recognize and appreciate the people who matter to us.

Friendship as an Au Pair: More Than Just Cultural Exchange

When you become an Au Pair, you're not just traveling: you're stepping into a new family, learning their way of life, and often forming bonds that last long after the program ends. Many Au Pairs find meaningful friendships not only with other Au Pairs but also with their host kids and host parents.

Click here to read some authentic stories from our Au Pairs, and here to read our Host Families’ testimonials and advice.

Whether it's bedtime stories, helping with homework, or just spending time together, these small everyday moments often turn into real friendships. If you feel close to your Host Family or fellow Au Pairs, el Día del Amigo can be a great chance to let them know how much they mean to you.

10 Simple Ways to Celebrate El Día del Amigo While Abroad

You don’t need a big party or lots of planning to make this day special, just a little intention and creativity. Here are some easy ideas to help you celebrate friendship, no matter where you are:

For your friends back home:

1. Plan a video call and catch up with your closest friends, even if just for a few minutes.
2. Send a message or photo, share your favorite memory, an old inside joke, or a voice note with your long-distance friends.
3. Create a digital scrapbook using free tools like Canva to make a collage of your favorite moments together.

With fellow Au Pairs or local friends:

4. Organize a picnic in a park: everyone brings a dish from their home country.
5. Host a game or trivia night centered on friendship, language, or travel stories.
6. Exchange friendship stories about your best friends or childhood memories.

With your Host Family:

7. Talk about how El Día del Amigo is in your home country, and share the story over a family dinner.
8. Engage your host kids with a craft or cooking activity. You could make friendship bracelets, draw cards, or bake something; possibilities are endless, as long as you have fun together!
9. Write a small thank-you note for your host parents or host kids and let them know you appreciate the bond you’ve built.
10. Start a “cultural swap” tradition: you can share one of your customs, and ask about one of theirs in return.

These small moments can turn into meaningful memories and help build deeper connections with the people around you.

Why It Matters: Friendship Helps You Feel at Home

Being an Au Pair is exciting, but it can also be challenging, especially when you're far from your usual support system. That’s why building friendships during your time abroad is so important.

Friendships with other Au Pairs help you share experiences and feel understood. A close connection with your Host Family makes everyday life warmer and more comfortable. As an Au Pair, it's important to remember that you're participating in a cultural exchange, not working as an employee of the family. This exchange should be interesting and beneficial for both sides.

Celebrating El Día del Amigo is more than just a fun activity. It’s a reminder to stay connected, open, and grateful for the people who support you, near or far!

Final Thoughts: Share the Celebration

Whether this is your first time celebrating El Día del Amigo abroad or a long-standing tradition for you, take a moment to reflect on the people who have made your time as an Au Pair special.

Tell your host kids about the holiday. Invite your Host Family to join in a small way. Send a message to that other Au Pair who made you laugh when you needed it most.

Friendship is one of the most valuable parts of cultural exchange, and this is your chance to celebrate it in your own way.

While celebrating with your loved ones, take a picture and share it on your social media. It will inspire more people to be grateful for the meaningful connections they have in their lives. Don’t forget to tag us if you want to share this beautiful celebration with the whole Au Pair community! @aupaircom