National Dolores Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Dolores Day is observed annually on April 12. Dolores is a common feminine name in Spanish-speaking countries. Dolores Ibárruri, a Spanish republican politician, and Dolores Del Rio, the first Latina actress to perform in Hollywood, are notable examples. As this name also refers to the Virgin Mary, the Roman Catholic Church had a significant influence on its rise in popularity. In the past, Dolores was frequently followed by Maria, as in the case of the Spanish noblewoman Juana Mara de Los Dolores de León Smith.

The background of National Dolores Day

The origin of the term ‘Dolores’ is Spanish. It is the plural form of the Spanish word for ‘pain’ or ‘grief,’ dolor. The word dolor has the same meaning even in Latin. The Roman Catholic Church, whose influence in Spain began in 1 A.D., popularised Dolores as a feminine given name. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was granted many titles, including the Latin ‘Mater Dolorosa’ or ‘Mother of Sorrows,’ which became a central theme in Marian art within the Church.

Mary was known as “Nuestra Seora de los Dolores” (La Virgen Mara de los Dolores) in Spain, which translates to “Our Lady of Sorrows” in English. The emphasis has always been on Mother Mary’s anguish and suffering. In Christian iconography, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, the ‘Seven Sorrows of Mother Mary’ is a popular artistic motif and an integral component of the religion. There are several English variants of Dolores, including Delora, Delores, and Deloris. This name has three French variants: Dolorès, Douleurs, and Lola. The diminutive or abbreviated form of the name is Lolita.

In the twentieth century, the name Dolores became popular in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, where it was one of the most popular options for girls’ names in the 1920s and 1930s. Actresses such as Dolores Costello, Dolores del Rio, and Dolores Moran gave the name a dazzling appeal and made it synonymous with Hollywood. Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer of the Irish rock band “The Cranberries,” is arguably the most famous Dolores in contemporary history. Dolores Umbridge, the principal antagonist in J.K. Rowling’s masterwork “Harry Potter,” also made this name popular.

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NATIONAL DOLORES DAY ACTIVITIES

Consider The Cranberries

Relax and take in the eerie melody of O’Riordan’s voice. This famous Irish rock band has several other mind-blowing compositions in addition to their smash hit Zombie.

Create a film extravaganza

You can view the “Harry Potter” films, one of Costello’s numerous productions, as well as classic films starring this actress. Invite loved ones over for an unforgettable movie night.

Read Lolita

Determine why Dolores Haze’s story was so popular. In some regions of the globe, the novel is still considered taboo, and its publication drew widespread attention. Even more countries have banned this literature.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT DOLORES

The author of the “Harry Potter” series revealed that Umbridge was based on a teacher with whom she had a fierce rivalry.

In 2001, 2002, and 2005, O’Riordan performed three times at the Vatican before Pope Benedict XVI.

Dolores Abernathy, one of the primary characters in the HBO series “Westworld,” was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novel “Alice in Wonderland.”

The actress Costello was also known as the ‘goddess of the silent cinema’

In 1993, Huerta, a prominent American labour advocate, was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

NATIONAL DOLORES DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	April 12	Wednesday
2024	April 12	Friday
2025	April 12	Saturday
2026	April 12	Sunday
2027	April 12	Monday