Valentine’s Day Traditions in Latin America: How the Day Is Celebrated in These 5 Countries

Valentine's Day is one of the most celebrated occasions in Latin America and the rest of the world, with flowers, chocolates, and gifts being exchanged between loved ones.

The well-loved holiday originated from a saint named St. Valentine. According to History, a legend claimed that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.

Valentine served during Emperor Claudius II's reign. The emperor was known to have forbade marriages because he believed single men were better soldiers. Thus, only single men were required to join the army. However, the priest defied the emperor after realizing the injustice of the decree and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

Claudius ordered that he be put to death after the priest's actions were discovered. But some stories said Valentine was believed to have been killed after he tried to help Christians escape Roman prisons rife with torture.

Another legend claimed that an imprisoned Valentine fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his detainment. Before he was put to death, it was reported that the saint wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," which became an expression still being used today.

Some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial. However, some people noted that it was placed in February to "Christianize" the pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival.

Valentine's Day Traditions in Latin America

Catholicism is the predominant religion in Latin America, so it was no surprise that the region celebrates Valentine's Day with different traditions. Read ahead to learn more about Valentine's Day traditions in five Latin American countries.

Mexico

In Mexico, Valentine's Day is called "El Dia del Amor y la Amistad." It is a holiday celebrating romantic relationships and love shared between family and friends.

According to Latinitas magazine, the El Dia Del Amor y la Amistad is considered a significant cultural event related to love and friendship that is celebrated every February 14 with great enthusiasm and joy. The day usually involves gift-giving, fun mariachi music, and delicious Mexican food with yummy desserts.

Colombia

Colombia celebrates Valentine's Day differently. The celebration in this country is held every September when spring begins in Latin America. Most Colombians play a game called "amigo invisible" or "amigo secreto," which translates to an invisible friend or secret friend, respectively.

People in the group put their names on little pieces of paper inside a bag, and everyone is asked to take a name. They must find a gift to give to the person they have picked. On the day of the celebration, everyone should bring presents. Presents come with clues for the person to guess who gave the gift. Colombia is celebrating this year's Valentine's Day on September 16.

Bolivia

Bolivia also celebrates Valentine's Day in September, specifically on September 21.They call their celebration "Día del Estudiante, de la Juventud, de la Primavera y el Amor," which translates to students, youth, spring, and love's day, which is shared with loved ones.

During this day, academic institutions host dances, parades, concerts, shows, and other events to honor their students. Love and couples are also honored. Exchanging gifts, flowers, chocolates, and acts of kindness are used to express devotion.

Brazil

Brazil celebrates Valentine's Day every February 14 with color and music. People in Brazil often spend the day either celebrating or preparing for the annual Carnival celebrations, especially if you are in Rio de Janeiro.

Lovers who celebrate the day usually exchange gifts, flowers, and sweets or go out on romantic dates, while others invite friends and relatives over for a special meal. Brazilians also get a second Valentine's Day with their "Dí­a dos Namorados" or Lover's Day, falling on June 12, which is said to honor St. Anthony, the saint of marriage and matchmaking.

Guatemala

Guatemala refers to Valentine's Day as "Dí­a del Cariño," which is translated to Day of Affection. Guatemala City celebrates the day with a large parade called Old Love Parade. It features senior citizens and others dressed in costumes or in Maya dresses and masks riding on festive floats.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: How Valentine's Day is Celebrated Around the World - From The Spoke