El Día de los Niños began in Latin American countries as a day to recognize youth. It is widely celebrated in Mexico, where movie theaters show free movies, ice cream flows freely and kids dress up in costume and parade through town. In 1999, the National Latino Children's Institute in Texas brought the holiday to the United States. Last year, more than 130 cities celebrated Children's Day, including a parade in Nampa and fiestas in other Canyon County cities.

Communities in Idaho are gearing up for their own Children's Day celebrations. Nampa's celebration is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. It will include a Teddy bear parade where children can dress up, as well as games, art projects, food, a costume contest and booths sponsored by various community organizations.

Sabrina Bowman, a member of the committee planning Nampa's Children's Day celebration, commends the bill.

"I think it shows legitimacy," she said. "It helps show how important the day really is." Conchi Morales of Nampa, acting director of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, is helping organize a bill-signing ceremony after the unanimous Senate approval. She said Caldwell, Wilder and towns like Rupert in southern Idaho will have celebrations this year. "We're going to invite the Mexican consulate to come on out," Morales said. She also said First Lady Laura Bush has supported Día de los Niños and may be interested in Idaho's progress on the holiday.