It is increasingly common to see people celebrating Valentine's Day in Colombia; some are foreigners who bring this tradition from their countries of origin, and others are locals who have adopted this date. However, in Colombia, the official date to celebrate the love is September.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Colombia

Chocolates, flowers, and love letters are essential to celebrating Valentine’s Day in February. It is a traditional date in the United States, which is increasingly popular in Colombia, thanks to the massive arrival of foreigners; this is why it is common to see locals and expats celebrating Valentine’s Day in Colombia.

However, the union of the United States and Colombia to commemorate this date is very important because, for more than 50 years, this Latin American country has been the favorite of the United States for its flowers, which stand out for their various colors and styles.

Tons of flowers were exported from Colombia for Valentine's Day in 2022.

This is how Colombia is present in the celebration of Valentine’s Day throughout the world, and at Medellin Guru, we want you to fall in love with our country, its customs, and traditions; that is why we have teamed up with expatgroup.co to offer you on this exceptional date 20% discount on services such as visas, Real Estate and business in Colombia. If you want to access this unmissable promotion and have more information, click the following button.

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The origin of Valentine's Day

Although there are various theories surrounding the origin of Valentine’s Day, one of the most widely recognized dates back to the 3rd century in Rome, during the reign of Emperor Claudius II the Gothic. At that time, the Emperor passed a law prohibiting young people from getting married, as he believed married soldiers would be distracted and not perform well in war.

However, this law was not accepted by society, and a Priest named Valentine began to perform marriages for many young couples in Rome secretly. Unfortunately, He was discovered and put in prison.

According to legend, while imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with a woman named Julia, who was the jailer’s daughter. He sent his love a farewell note, signing it “From your Valentine,” a famous expression used to sign love letters.

Julia later planted an almond tree that produced red and pink roses as a gesture of gratitude. This is one reason why flowers have become a traditional symbol of love. Valentine passed away on February 14, 269, so we celebrate love on this date.

Valentine's Day in the United States

Although the exact date of the origin of Valentine’s Day tradition in the United States is uncertain, it is believed to have started in the 19th century with the substantial influx of British immigrants. They introduced this celebration, a significant landmark as exchanging love letters and presenting gifts like flowers or chocolates to their loved ones became increasingly popular.

The tradition has passed from generation to generation, and it is a date in which love is breathed in every corner of that country. Even North American series and films have been responsible for taking this tradition to more places in the world, popularizing the question: do you want to be my Valentine? They invite their special person to have a date.

This celebration is recognized for being one of the times of the year when flowers, chocolates, and stuffed animals are most sold to give to your Valentine.

145 Million

Letters on Valentine's Day in the United States.

250 Million

Flowers imported from Colombia to the United States for Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic love. In this country, schools celebrate the holiday by holding events where students perform dances, plays, and exchange letters with their classmates. On the other hand, for those who are single, it’s an excellent opportunity to spend time with their friends.

Amor y Amistad in Colombia

Colombia differs from other countries because it does not celebrate Valentine’s Day. However, it does celebrate “Amor y Amistad,” which translates to “love and friendship” in English, and this celebration takes place at the end of September. As the name suggests, it is a celebration that focuses on the love between couples and provides an ideal opportunity to celebrate the affection between friends and family.

Colombia initially celebrated Valentine’s Day on February 14, but in 1969, it was decided that the date should reflect something more traditional and Colombian. As a result, the name was changed to “Día del Amor y la Amistad.” Eventually, the celebration of this day was moved from February to September as part of a commercial strategy.

It is believed that 84% of Colombians celebrated Amor y Amistad in 2023.

Portafolio Magazine.

This idea arose because many Colombians face increased expenses and debts in February due to the proximity of the Christmas holidays and the start of the school season. As a result, they often have less money to spend on gifts or big celebrations. In addition, there are no significant traditions in September in Colombia, which led to the decision to celebrate love during this month.

For Colombians, the third weekend of September is an important celebration. During this time, restaurants, bars, and other establishments are set up to receive couples and friends who seek to celebrate these festivities.

Valentine's Day in Colombia

Valentine’s Day is not traditionally celebrated in Colombia. Still, due to the influx of foreigners, it has become increasingly popular in some main cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.

As a result, it’s not uncommon to find special programming or discounts in commercial places such as shopping centers and restaurants to commemorate this occasion. The country has its Day of Love and Friendship celebration, but Valentine’s Day has gained significant traction among locals and tourists.

Valentine's Day in some countries in Latin America

Argentina
September 20.
Bolivia
September 21.
Brazil
June 12.
Chile
October 3.
Colombia
Third weekend of September.
Ecuador
October 3.
Mexico
October 3.
Paraguay
February 14th.
Peru
October 3.
Uruguay
October 14th.
Venezuela
February 14th.

If you want to find love this February, we invite you to discover more about Colombia. At Medellin Guru, we have partnered with expatgroup.co to celebrate Valentine’s Day with you. You can benefit from a 20% discount on Colombian visas, Real Estate, and business services by clicking the button below.

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Celebrate Valentine's Day

There are various ways to celebrate this special occasion with your partner, whether in Colombia or the United States, as both countries celebrate it on different dates. Expressing your love and appreciation towards your significant other is always a good opportunity. Here are some ideas to help you surprise your special person on Valentine’s Day in Colombia.

Romantic dinner at home

Nothing is more romantic than surprising your Valentine with a decoration after work, including candles, flowers, and special music. You can prepare his favorite meal (which will make your gift even more particular) or order from a restaurant you both like.

Wine and a good dessert will make the occasion even more special. Moreover, it is an ideal time for both of you to talk and feel confident. You can even play a game of questions with your partner to strengthen your bond even more.

Picnic in the park

In Colombia, and more specifically in Medellín, you will find numerous parks perfect for connecting with nature and spending quality time with your partner. Museo el Castillo is one of our top recommendations, as it offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the city’s history. Additionally, the museum boasts a vast garden where you can enjoy your picnic surrounded by squirrels and birds.

To make this experience even more unique, consider buying canvases for both of you to paint and prepare dishes such as sandwiches, desserts, or cheese cuts, accompanied by your favorite drinks. Don’t forget to bring your picnic basket and tablecloth.

Special dinner at a restaurant

Visiting your favorite place or even going to the restaurant where you had your first date is always a great choice. However, to make it a unique dining experience, try disconnecting from your cell phones and social media. The most important thing on a date like this is genuinely connecting with your partner.

Although Valentine’s Day is not widely celebrated in Colombia, you can find restaurants on February 14th with particular themes to commemorate the occasion.

A trip as a couple

Taking a trip with your loved one is the perfect way to break out of your routine. You can opt to fly somewhere or be enchanted by the beautiful towns of Colombia. If you live in Medellín, there are some fantastic places just an hour from the city.

For those seeking a warm climate, San Jerónimo or Santa Fe are towns only forty (40) minutes from Medellín and offer a chance to learn more about colonial architecture. If you prefer something further away, Guatapé is located two (2) hours from the city and is one of the most visited towns in Colombia, thanks to the Piedra del Peñol. On the other hand, if you enjoy rivers and hiking, San Rafael or San Carlos are good options that are three (3) hours away.

A remarkable detail

There are several ways to make your partner feel special on Valentine’s Day. One is to give them something they like or opt for traditional Valentine’s Day gifts such as chocolates, flowers, stuffed animals, or cards.

Preparing breakfast and bringing it to their bed is a great way to start the day and celebrate early. You can also write a note with a special message and put it in their bag or work suitcase, without them knowing. This will be a pleasant surprise for them.

Explore Colombia

Below, we leave you a unique selection of articles so that you can learn more about Colombia and its main cities.

Bottom line: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Colombia

Valentine’s Day is an essential occasion in the United States, particularly for those with a partner. Although it is not celebrated in February in Colombia, it is gaining popularity due to the increasing number of foreigners coming.

The Colombian version of Valentine’s Day is known as the day of love and friendship, celebrated on the third weekend of September. Therefore, if you are living in Colombia, you can commemorate both occasions. It is always a good time to celebrate love.