Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day History

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and friendship. The idea of Valentine's Day seems to have originated during the Middle Ages, somewhere around the 14th or 15th century. The holiday derived its name from two Roman martyrs for love, both named Valentine.

The first Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, but not before leaving a note signed from your Valentine for his lady. The second Valentine was supposedly a bishop who secretly married young couples, an act that was forbidden by the Roman Emperor who wanted young men to first serve as soldiers before marrying. Valentine ignored the law and was beheaded on February 14. An ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, a celebration for which young men randomly chose the name of a young girl to escort to the festivities, has also been linked to the origins of Valentine's Day. Since then, the custom of selecting a sweetheart on February 14th has spread through Europe and its colonies and transformed itself into the celebration of love and friendship that we know today.

Facts about Valentine's Day

• Symbols for Valentine's day include hearts, chocolate, flowers, and Cupid - the Roman God of Love.
• Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind. And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind - William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
• As with many other countries, the color red is associated with love and passion in Mexico and plays a prominent role in Valentine's Day celebrations. Many people wear red clothing or accessories, and items like heart-shaped balloons and red roses are ubiquitous on this day.
• In some parts of Mexico, the heart-shaped piñata is a popular element of Valentine's Day celebrations. This represents the breaking of emotional barriers, allowing love and friendship to pour out.

In the News and Trending in Mexico for Valentine's Day

Top things to do in Mexico for Valentine's Day

• Send someone you care for a Valentine's Day card. Take the time to write a small note or love poem inside. Sign it, from your Valentine.
• Remember other important people in your life, such as your parents, grandparents and old friends. Send them a small card or gift to remind them of how much you care.
• Go on a Boat Ride in Xochimilco: Take a traditional brightly colored barge ride in the romantic ambiance of Xochimilco which is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Day of Love and Friendship Dinner: Popularly known as "Día de Amor y Amistad", various restaurants and hotels across Mexico host special Valentine's day dinners with a typically Mexican take on romance that usually includes live Mariachi music.