Why is Valentine's Day celebrated on February 14th?

Every February 14th it is celebrated in several countries of the world with great enthusiasm and joy on Valentine's Day. A very special day for many, where the importance of love is highlighted and which, despite the belief of its commercial origin, comes from much earlier. Specifically from the 3rd century in Rome and the death of Valentin, a priest sentenced for secretly celebrating marriages of young people in love.

There are many ways to interpret Valentine's Day, many see it as a celebration of love and many as a commercial holiday. The truth is that February 14 is an important date on the calendar of millions of couples around the world.

A special date to share gifts, to take care especially of that person you love and, ultimately, a day to celebrate love.

The truth is that although the occasion is world-renowned today and especially in the West, all cultures have had a little influence on the celebration depending on each country. We tell you how Valentine's Day is celebrated in different countries of the world.

Argentina

In Argentina Valentine's Day is known as Valentine's Day. It is not usual to send cards or hearts as in other places in the world. In addition, in this country, from 1 to 7 July there is the Week of sweetness, which has become very popular in recent years; treats are presented for kisses.

Brazil

In Brazil, Valentine's Day is known as the'D'a dos Namorados'(Boyfriend's Day) which is celebrated on June 12. Couples of boyfriends usually give the same gifts and cards.

In Brazil it is celebrated in memory of St Anthony of Padua, a saint famous for being a holidayman. It is celebrated in June, as February is the month in which the carnival is held.

Catalonia

In this autonomous community of Spain, Valentine's Day is not officially celebrated, but if the 'Day of Sant Jordi' is celebrated on April 23. Tradition combines the day of the book with the day of the rose. Every April 23, the tradition of lovers giving the holidays books and roses as the appointed day to show love.

Central America

In Central America this date is also known as Love and Friendship Day or Day of Love. In this part of the world people celebrate by sharing gifts and it is very common for example to play secret friends. Men usually give roses to women, chocolates and small details that show love and friendship.

Chile

In Chile, as in Argentina and Brazil, Valentine's Day is known as Valentine's Day, being a day where couples (whether boyfriends or husbands) celebrate love and union with each other. Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. If you want to send a gift to Chile, remember that Chileans are very proud of their wines and that is why it is not enough to add to your gift a good bottle of Chilean wine.

Colombia

In Colombia, Day of Love and Friendship is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September, in this country the tradition of the "secret friend" is common, which consists in introducing small papers with the names of the participants into a container, then each one draws a paper and they must give a present to the person whose name says the paper on the day they establish. Also, remember that in Colombia is Café is a patriotic pride, so it is a good idea to send a gift basket with a good coffee.

Mexico

In Mexico there is a more direct influence of the United States on this date, so it is also celebrated on February 14th, here as in other countries it is also known as "The Day of Love and Friendship" and is celebrated showing affection to the people who love each other. This is often done by giving flowers, especially roses, chocolates and balloons to couples. Many Mexicans also give small gifts or greeting cards to close friends and family members. In addition to celebrating only friendship in Mexico it was established that July 30 is international friendship day.

Venezuela

The greatest tradition of this day is to give flowers and chocolates to the couple with whom one is in love, as a symbol of the strength of the union. Over the years, the tradition of giving cards with messages allusive to love and friendship was also included.

Uruguay

In Uruguay the lovers celebrate two days, The Day of lovers, which usually falls in the month of October, in the spring, and Valentine's Day, which as in the rest of the world is celebrated on February 14th. A festival that, like other celebrations, was imported from northern countries, but which has not been very welcome by Uruguayans. So if you have someone you love in Uruguay, remember that the most suitable time to celebrate this occasion is in October.

The United Kingdom

In the UK, couples get seriously romantic on Valentine's Day. The lovebirds of all the islands give each other flowers, chocolates and jewelry. In the evening, couples usually enjoy a nice dinner in the city or opt for an evening at home by candlelight. Either way, love is in the air.

Finland

Finland is the perfect place for those who are single. You don't have to worry about feeling left out of parties because in this country they are celebrated with friends. Even the day is called "Friend's Day" in Finnish, not Valentine's. The official flower is the pink rose, but friends also appreciate gifts, cards or sweets. South Korea and Japan

In this part of the world man is spoiled. On Valentine's Day, women buy chocolates for their partners, family and co-workers as a token of affection and appreciation. But don't worry the women, the favor is returned a month later. On March 15, known as White Day, the men correspond with cakes, sweets and flowers.

If you like this date, I recommend you See the movie "Valentine's Day" (2010), "Valentine's Day" in English. Directed by Garry Marshall, this movie tells 10 different stories of people who are connected to each other. These stories take place on February 14 as part of the celebration of Valentine's Day. Also, I recommend you watch the documentary "Valentine, both sides of the story" (2014). Directed by Julio C. Tadeo, this documentary shows how five people from real life lived this celebration on February 14th.

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