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. During wartime, the emperor banned marriage, and when St. Valentine was discovered to marry the lovers secretly, he was put to death on February the 14th. 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 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. 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. More Places To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Italy Valentine’s Day in Terni. Terni’s Festa di San Valentino celebrates the holiday in the home of St. Valentine himself. The highlights include: the Cioccolentino (combo of chocolate and valentine) festival; the St. Valentine’s marathon; a St. Valentine’s market; concerts To wish someone a Happy Valentine’s Day in Italian, the sweetest, shortest way is Buon San Valentino. For more, read How To Say Happy Valentine’s Day in Italian. HOW ITALIANS CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY. Valentine’s Day is considered a romantic holiday in Italy, and is celebrated by lovers and adults in romantic relationships. 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 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. 1. Italy, the land of love, history, and breathtaking landscapes, is one of the most romantic destinations to celebrate Valentine’s Day. With its rich cultural heritage, charming streets, and timeless traditions, it’s no wonder that couples from all over the world choose Italy for a love-filled getaway. 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. History of Valentine’s Day . Valentine’s Day is an old tradition from the Roman Empire. Taking place on February 14, Valentine’s Day celebrates the Queen of Roman gods and goddesses – Juno, the Goddess of Women and Marriage. In Italy, Valentine’s Day is known as La Festa Degli Innamorati. Traditions for Couples 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. Learn about how countries across the globe celebrate Valentine's Day including February 14 traditions from France, Italy, Germany, Finland, England and more. 3. Greece: Honoring St. Hyacinth. Valentine’s Day traditions became somewhat popular in Greece in the 1970s and many choose to hold their weddings on this day. Keep reading for more things to do on Valentines Day in Rome, including current museums exhibitions and concerts: Current events and exhibitions in Rome's museums Whether you're visiting Rome on February 14, on that weekend, or any time in February , here are the current events and exhibitions at Rome's museums - UPDATED FOR 2025 The story of Valentine’s Day is a mix of history, legend, and tradition that dates back centuries. Let’s explore where it all began and why we still celebrate it today. The Legend of St. Valentine. The most widely accepted origin of Valentine’s Day traces back to St. Valentine, a Christian martyr from ancient Rome. Valentine's Day,: that special day where courtly love is celebrated with couples sharing chocolate, candlelit dinners, red roses and presents. Italians are known for their romanticism, which has been said to pulse through their veins (how could it not, being surrounded daily by beautiful lanscapes and romantic locations?), and have their own small traditions to celebrate Cupid's day in a In the Roman Rite, February 14 is no longer the feast of St. Valentine, even though popular culture celebrates Valentine's Day. February 14 has become one of the strangest days in Western culture. Festival dedicated to the Terni Region and Saint Valentine. Of course, this is merely the formal St Valentine that we recognise – in reality, many towns will have their own little variations and microcultures which celebrate Valentine’s Day differently. Discover the history of Valentine's Day in Italy, as well as how it is celebrated and the most romantic spots to visit (or read about from the comfort of your couch
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