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Valentine’s Day, also known as St. Valentine’s Day or the Day of Love and Friendship, is an occasion that is celebrated on February 14 each year and often involves romantic gestures, gifts and expressions of affection.

 

But how does the tradition of ‘San Valentín’ fare in Spain, a country rich in cultural festivities and traditions?

 

 

The roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, during the reign of Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century. Legend has it that Claudius II issued an edict banning marriages for young people, believing that unmarried soldiers made better warriors as they were unencumbered by family ties.

 

However, a defiant priest named Valentine defied this decree and clandestinely performed marriages for young lovers. When he was eventually discovered, Valentine was sentenced to death on February 14 in the year 270 CE, for his acts of disobedience and rebellion against the emperor’s orders. Thus, Valentine’s Day is commemorated annually in remembrance of this martyr, just as many Catholic saints have their own feast day in the Spanish calendar.

 

 

…or, how to show your love by buying stuff. The modern commercialisation of Valentine’s Day is characterised by the exchange of gifts, cards and romantic gestures, and it finds its roots in the mid-19th century in America.

 

Artist Esther A. Howland is credited as a pioneer in the sale of romantic-themed gift cards, which she began producing in the 1840s. These cards, adorned with images of love and affection, quickly gained popularity and became a staple of Valentine’s Day celebrations and cementing the idea that the only love language that really counts is that of going physical gifts.

 

 

In Spain, Valentine’s Day holds a special place among couples, with many embracing the American tradition of exchanging gifts and romantic gestures. However, for those who find themselves single on this day, there’s no need to fret. In Spain, February 14th is also affectionately known as ‘San Solterín’ day, a day for singles to celebrate with friends or family. Moreover, the 13th of February has recently gained recognition as a Singles’ Day too, although it remains relatively unknown to many.

 

The other important day of love in Spain, apart from Valentine’s Day, is the Day of Sant Jordi or St. George’s Day on April 23, which is especially celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia and Aragón with the giving of books and roses.

 

In some other Spanish speaking countries in Latin America, Valentine’s Day has a bit of a different meaning or the Day of Love is celebrated on different days. For example, in Puerto Rico and Peru, February 14 is more about commemorating love and friendship and exchanging gifts between friends, not necessarily in a romantic way.

 

In Uruguay, their day of love is celebrated in October, while in Bolivia, the first day of spring is celebrated on September 21, prompting displays of affection and love with gifts, flowers and cards.

 

In Colombia, the third Saturday of September is known as the day of the bride and groom, when they celebrate love and friendship and do a sort of Secret Santa-style gift swapping.

 

 

While Valentine’s Day undoubtedly serves as a significant occasion for expressing love and affection, in Spain as much as in other Western countries, it’s important to remember that gestures of love shouldn’t be confined to a single day dictated by consumerism. Any day is a good opportunity to cherish and appreciate the ones you love and show them that, whether through gifts, kind words, helpful actions or just a heartfelt hug or a kiss.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!