The equivalent of Valentine’s Day in Colombia is not just a day of emotional significance; it also has a notable impact on the country’s economy. The celebration drives a considerable increase in the sales of flowers, cards, and gifts, as Colombians exchange tokens of appreciation with their loved ones and friends. In several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as Día de Amor y Amistad. While many countries, even in Latin America, observe Valentine’s Day on February 14—the most popular date worldwide—Colombia made a notable change. In much of Latin America, what we know as Valentine’s Day is known as ‘El Dia del Amor y La Amistad’. In Colombia, it’s no different, except that when we’re all celebrating on February 14th, those crazy Colombianos will only be doing something special if they happen to have bagged themselves a foreign partner. The tradition of Love and Friendship Day in Colombia dates back to 1969, when the Colombian government decided to adopt the American celebration of Valentine’s Day, which takes place on February 14. However, the date was moved to September for economic reasons. The name ‘Día del Amor y la Amistad’ is a combination of Valentine’s Day and World Friendship Day, and was intentionally worded so no to exclude people who don’t have a romantic partner. The day also exists in several other Latin American countries but not all of them; some opt for other titles or days specifically for spouses. Brockbuilt The Day of Love and Friendship, known in many countries as the equivalent of Valentine's Day, is a special celebration that aims to honor love and friendship between people. Although the date traditionally associated with this celebration is February 14, in Colombia the Day of Love and Friendship is celebrated in September. The History Of Valentine’s Day In Colombia. No one truly knows the origins of this holiday in Colombia, but it is believed to date back to the 1960s. Influenced by Valentine’s Day, Colombian retailers came up with a way to boost sales during the month of September—a time that had typically been slow for most businesses. In Colombia, Valentine’s Day is not celebrated on February 14th, as is the tradition around most of the western world. In Colombia, the day to celebrate love, romance and finding out your girlfriend has a sideman, is known as ‘The Day of Love and Friendship’ - El Dia Del Amor y La Amistad. There is an interesting reason why September was chosen over February 14. Traditionally, Valentine's is celebrated around the world on the day that Saint Valentine was decapitated. So, in order to better reflect a day of LOVE rather than a day on which a tragedy occurrred, Colombia chose to celebrate on a day other than February 14. Prepare to feel a whole lot of love this weekend as Colombia readies to celebrate its iteration of Valentine’s Day – El Dia de Amor y Amistad. Forget February 14 – Colombians choose to annually celebrate love and affection on the third Saturday of September. But those without a significant other should not be alarmed as [] what are you talking about. valentine's day is a day for love there is no such thing as "galentine's day." in japan, there are two days that are distinct, women buy stuff for men on feb 14 and then a month later on "white day" the men reciprocate. this was obviously invented by commercial interests. The quality of its flowers and the joint efforts of the floriculture industry have led the country to the second place in global exports of the sector. It is estimated that 97% of the annual production of Colombian flowers is destined for retail outside the country. That is why on dates like Valentine’s, Colombia is one of the world leaders in the production and export of one of the best Valentine's Day in Colombia | Luxury Valentine's Day Unveiling Colombia's Unique Valentine's Charm Colombia transforms Valentine's Day into an enchanting blend of age-old traditions and contemporary romance. As an experienced travel writer who's wandered through Colombia's vibrant streets and lush landscapes, I've been captivated by how this day of love is celebrated here. This article isn't St. Valentine, a name that is synonymous with love and romance across the globe, lived at a time when the Roman Empire was at its zenith. He is often best remembered for the act of marrying couples in secret defiance of the Roman Emperor's bans. However, the truth about St. Valentine is far more complex, woven from a mixture of historical fragments, religious tradition, and folklore. This has Colombia originally celebrated Valentine’s Day on February 14, but in 1969, a decision was made to shift the date to reflect traditional Colombian customs better. Thus, the celebration was rebranded as “Día del Amor y la Amistad” and was strategically moved from February to September to enhance its commercial appeal. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. It may have had beginnings in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the coming of spring and included fertility rites and other activities, but the origin of the holiday is vague at best. List of dates for other years. Upcoming holidays in Colombia. Holidays in Colombia 2025. Holidays in Colombia 2026. Valentine’s Day on February 14 is a global holiday that traditionally celebrates romantic love. Celebrating Valentine’s Day is for the birds. Or maybe, it would be better to say that celebrating Valentine’s Day is from the birds.. At least one explanation of why the Feast of St. Valentine is considered a day for love and romance has to do with what the Catholic Encyclopedia called “a conventional belief generally received in England and France during the Middle Ages, that on Feb It’s on February 14 and called Día de Los Enamorados ( Lovers’ Day) , but it’s treated as a day to celebrate all love and friendship. So friends and family give each other gifts as well . It’s most important for couples though and I’ve seen people treating almost like another anniversary. Valentine's Day is no longer part of the official liturgical calendar of any Christian church; it was dropped from the Catholic calendar in 1969. Its not a feast, a celebration, or a memorial of any martyrs.
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