A Brief History of Valentine’s Day in Italy. February 14th is the day that commemorates the martyred Christian Saint Valentine (San Valentino, in Italian), from Terni (near Rome), Italy. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, with people showing their love in many ways – typically with gifts of candy, flowers, cards, and romantic dinners. Italy has a special connection to the holiday because its origins began during the Roman Empire, and Feb. 14 is the feast day of San Valentino – Saint Valentine. Valentine's day facts from Italy : Italian culture, traditions and the 'Day of Lovers'. Valentine's day history has been an important part of the developing culture of Italy. Learn about Valentine's day facts, traditions and unique events to celebrate your love in Italy. Everyone knows that Italians are in love with love. Valentine’s Day flowers for sale at a supermarket in Florence. Chocolates are another popular gift on Valentine’s Day in Italy. There are heart shaped chocolates, as well as heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates for Valentine’s Day. The supermarket often has a small display dedicated to these sweet treats. However, in the fifth century, his story was remembered when the Catholic Church was struggling with Lupercalia, a raucous ancient Roman fertility festival celebrated from February 13 to 15. Remembering Valentino’s passion for the conjugal, the pope decided to appropriate the pagan ritual with the saint’s feast day. Enter: Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day, or St. Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on February 14th by people all over the world. Valentine’s Day in Italy is called San Valentino. It’s celebrated in honor of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, who was martyred in Rome on February 14th, around 270 AD. The Valentine’s Day in Italy has entirely pagan origins, although it is closely linked to the figure of a saint who really existed and, of course, also celebrated by the Catholic Church. Valentine’s Day was a Christian bishop of Terni, beheaded at the age of 97 at the hands of the soldier Furius Placidus. According to the most reliable Lovers take opportunity of the day to express love and affection for their beloved. Loads of Valentine's Day gifts are exchanged and everyone enjoys the day to the hilt. History of Valentine's Day in Italy. Valentine's Day was initially celebrated as a Spring Festival in Italy. Celebration for the day was held in the open air. Young people Later, Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine’s Day, and it’s celebrated for more than 1500 years. Italian Valentine’s Day Traditions Couples vs. Singles. In Italy, Valentine’s Day is celebrated only between couples as “La Festa Degli Innamorati.” It is expressed with romantic dinners, giving the flowers and of course Valentine’s Day Traditions In Italy Valentine’s Day celebrations reached its peak in popularity during the middle Ages. Valentine’s Day is a day for Italian lovers to get engaged or simply get away for short break Italian shops get decorated several days ahead of February 14 with a huge variety of bon-bon chocolates. Surprise your sweetheart with a Valentine's Day getaway: Italy is full of romantic destinations in which to celebrate love as a couple.From art cities to small villages scattered throughout the peninsula, not forgetting seaside, lake and mountain resorts where you can pamper yourself with a candlelit dinner enjoying local specialities. Italy! Verona, home to Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet, receives at least 1000 letters to Juliet on Valentine’s Day each year. Presents! Stats show that women buy 85% of all Valentine’s gifts. Kids are lucky on Valentine’s day: they receive up to 39% of all candy and gifts purchased. There are several ways to have a great time with your partner for Valentine’s Day in Italy: la festa degli innamorati, the day of lovers, is usually celebrated by going to a restaurant for a nice dinner. Sweethearts usually give each other gifts, flowers, and chocolates in heart-shaped boxes. Updated on November 7, 2023. Will you be in Italy for Valentine’s Day with your amore?If so, check out our article on how we celebrate Valentine’s Day in Italy!. Are you planning a romantic February 14 th aperitivo and dinner at home and want to surprise your love with a few Italian phrases? Begin your Valentine’s Day in Rome with a Romeo and Juliet Coffee. Start Valentine’s Day with a romantic breakfast at Sant’Eustachio il Caffè, one of Rome’s most popular cafes located in the heart of the city by the Pantheon. They offer a delicious coffee called Romeo and Juliet consisting of chocolate, coffee mousse and whipped cream. Valentine's Day in Italy. Eataly Magazine (February 11, 2020) Expand. though there are numerous legends of his ardor to convert his neighbors to Christianity In Verona, Italy – known as the city of Romeo and Juliet – there is a four-day Valentine’s celebration, with heart lanterns lining the city and free concerts in the Piazza dei Signori. There is also a love-letter writing contest and romantic dinner specials in restaurants around town. Why Italy for Valentine’s Day? The question you should be asking is, why not? There are many things you and your better-half can do and enjoy on this day of love in the country that is enamored with love. The dates to mark in the calendar are: Thursday 9, Friday 10, Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February, to which is added the special 14 February, Valentine's Day, on which Villa Bardini will not only be open in the evening but will also be free for all. Villa Bardini, Elliott Erwitt ph. Stefano Casati. Valentine's Day at the Accademia Gallery 5. Italy: La Festa Degli Innamorati Valentine lived in Italy before it was Italy. But just because he came from there doesn’t mean his feast day is celebrated as it is in other countries.
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