¡Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad!

Valentine’s Day is coming soon and it is my favorite holiday.  Popular all over the world, Valentine’s Day in Latin America is celebrated in many fun and interesting ways.  In honor of St. Valentine, here are some interesting examples of Valentine’s Day throughout Latin America.

In many Latin American countries Valentine’s Day is known as “El Día del Amor y la Amistad,” which is translated as “Day of Love and Friendship.” It is also known in some countries as “El Día de los Enamorados,” which means “Lovers’ Day.”

In the U.S., February 14^th is the day when we express our appreciation to the most important people in our lives.  Similarly, in Latin America people exchange flowers, heart-shaped chocolates, red balloons, and other tokens of gratitude and love.

Guatemalans celebrate “El Día del Cariño” (“Day of Affection”) on February 14^th, when they exchange flowers and cards.  This day in Guatemala is also an opportunity to express appreciation to friends and colleagues.  It is similar to Valentine’s Day in many ways.

In some South American countries Valentine’s Day is not celebrated on February 14^th.  Colombians, for example, don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day but they have a “Day of Friendship and Love” on the third Saturday of September.

Our Latin American friends in Brazil celebrate “Dia dos Namorados” (“Lovers’ Day”) on June 12^th.  On this day they honor Saint Anthony, who is known throughout Brazil as the saint of marriages. During Dia dos Namorados many single women perform popular rituals, called simpatias. Simpatias are special spells that supposed to help to find a good husband or boyfriend. One of the spells involves buying a statue of Saint Anthony and removing the ever-present Baby Jesus from his arms. Then you tell the statue that you won’t return Baby Jesus to his arms unless Saint Anthony helps you find a boyfriend.  Think of it as a sort of Valentine’s blackmail!

From the U.S. to all corners of Latin America, Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your loved ones.

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