Valentine’s Day is here once again. This is the time that lovers confess their love to each other. They give special gifts to one another and celebrate in a big way. But how about our Spanish friends, do they celebrate St. Valentines Day in Spain?
The answer to this question is yes, they do. Lovers are lovers no matter where they may live and the Spanish go all out on this special day.
This article will go into detail of how the Spanish celebrate this day. You will learn how to say Happy Valentine’s Day in Spanish and learn a lot about how they celebrate it in their area.
Valentine’s Day in Spain
In Spanish speaking countries, St. Valentine’s Day is simply known as “el día de San Valentín,” although you can also call it “el día del amor y amistad” (the day of love and friendship). Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine who eventually was canonized by the Catholic Church. Valentine means healthy. Spaniards have a deep respect for any Catholic holiday including this one. It represents kindness, health, and love.
A palm and a sword are the symbols of a married union. Everywhere in the Spanish speaking world, they recognize this holiday every year on February 14th. And people enjoy lavishing their loved one with gifts and loving practices.
It’s a time that they don’t hold back and want to make sure that the other person feels wanted and loved. They intend to show their affection in many different ways.
How to say Happy Valentines Day In Spanish
Saying Happy Valentine’s Day In Spanish is “¡Feliz día de San Valentín!” Non native speakers that want to impress someone, will want to use these words. It shows that they are trying to learn the language. It’s a greeting that one would use on that special day of February 14th every year.
Is It Common To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Spain?
Yes, it is very common for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Spain as well as in Latin American countries. This is the time that they show their love for one another. It’s a special time of the year and many people show it in many different ways. They will buy gifts, like chocolates and flowers to show this to the other person. In many cases, a romantic meal is chosen to celebrate the day.
Valentine’s Day Expressions
When you write a card to your Spanish speaking sweetheart, you can use any of the following expressions to convey your feelings.
- ¡Feliz día de San Valentín, mi amor! Te amo! – Happy Valentine’s Day, my love! I love you!
- ¡Feliz día de San Valentín, mamá! ¡Te quiero! — Happy Valentine’s Day, mom! I love you!
- ¡Feliz día del amor y amistad! – Happy love and friendship day!
- Te amo – I love you
- Te quiero mucho – I love you very much
- Me enamoré de ti a primera vista – I fell in love with you at first sight
- Significas el mundo para mí – You mean the world to me
Note the difference between the Spanish phrases “te quiero” and “te amo.” In Spanish you will use “te quiero” for someone you love in a non romantic way, like a family member or a close friend. The expression “te amo” is reserved for serious relationships.
You will find many more love related Spanish expressions in our post on Romantic Spanish phrases.
What do Couples do for Valentine’s Day in Spain and / or South America?
Couples in Spain will go out to a lavish, romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day or they will make one at their home. They enjoy holding their loved one and professing how they feel about them. In many ways, they show them so that they know that they are cared about.
They also exchange gifts of love. Chocolates, jewelry, clothing, and a lot more make wonderful gifts. Here are some great gift ideas that the people in Spain and South America enjoy giving on Valentine’s Day:
Chocolates
This is the time of year when the price doesn’t seem to matter. People give high-priced chocolates like Godiva and Betsy Ann Chocolates as a gift. This is a symbol of the love that they have for a person and they include a very nice card with the gift.
Flowers
Flowers are popular at this time of year. One particular flower that symbolizes love more than any other are the red roses. Many men give these to their wive or girlfriend because they show their love for them. If they want to get engaged to a girl, they often have the ring attached to a bouquet of roses.
Jewelry
Jewelry is also a welcomed gift for this holiday. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings are always appreciated gifts. They are boxed and wrapped nicely. Of course, a wonderful card should also be included with any valentine’s day gift.
Clothing
Specially picked clothing is also a nice touch. Pretty scarves, dresses, and other types of clothing like lingerie are welcomed. The color red is often the choice of most people for clothing when they want to give it as a gift to their loved ones.
Gift Certificates
Some people like to give gift certificates to a person’s favorite store or restaurant. Make sure to include a nice hand-written card with the gift, to make it more personal.
Tickets to a Show
Tickets to a broadway show or musical are also wonderful gifts to give. Pick one that your partner will enjoy most. You might even throw in a limo ride to and from the show as part of the gift.
Dinner at a fine Restaurant
A romantic meal at a fine restaurant in the area is called for on this special night. The more romantic the atmosphere, the better. A nice bottle of wine is usually part of the entire valentine’s night.
Homemade Dinner at Home
Special homemade dinners are also wonderful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Make sure to make your lover’s favorite meal.
Trip to a romantic Hideaway
A romantic hideaway is the perfect escape on Valentine’s Day. Couples will just gather their things together and head out for a nice time spent alone with each other.
Enjoy and celebrate “El día del amor”
St. Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one how much you care about them. You can show your love for someone with flowers, gifts, or candy. Make sure that you celebrate this wonderful day in some way too.
And even if you don’t have a special someone, don’t let that drag you down. Valentine’s Day is a day that you should recognize no matter what. Buy yourself some flowers to show that you recognize the day or give yourself some other type of present like chocolates to pamper yourself. You deserve it so make sure that you treat yourself good.
And now – go and have a happy Valentine’s Day in Spanish!
