rio's calendar holds many important dates and commemorations, some which are quite special to the cariocas, in which a card and some chocolate woud always be much appreciated gestures.

mother's day, dia das mães, is an annual holiday celebrated in the month of may around the world, to honor mothers & grandmothers for all they do for their families - although mother's day may occur on different days of the year, the majority of countries recognize it as falling on the second sunday of may, including brazil. 

mother's day in rio de janeiro is particularly heartfelt, by all cariocas of all ages, with special children's performances and church gatherings, normally leading to large, multi-generational barbecues and parties - celebrated in rio since the early 20th century, the official day was not established until the 1930s and subsequently added to the official catholic calendar by the cardinal-archbishop of rio de janeiro in the late 1940s.