Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world on February 14th of each year. The holiday promotes love, friendship, and is known as the Feast Day of Saint Valentine. Italians always put their own spin on famous holidays. Keep reading to see what makes Valentine’s Day different for them!
1. Padlocking Their Love
Many Italians have a tradition of taking a padlock and locking it to a bridge or railing in Italy, then proceeding to throw away the key as a sign of them being together as one.
2. Baci Chocolates Of COURSE!
Who doesn’t love the delicious combination of chocolate and hazelnut? Baci Chocolates were developed in the year 1922. The chocolate originates in Perugia, Italy and has been a massive success ever since. Lovers in Italy commonly gift this sweet treat to one another.
3. It Is Highly Celebrated
Many around the world may view Valentine’s Day as simply a “Hallmark” holiday created for companies to profit. This is not the case for Italians, however. Italians take love very seriously in their culture, as the country is even known for being one of the most romantic places on Earth! Italians even begin celebrations of love and festivals at the beginning of February to get geared up for Valentine’s Day.
4. A Chocolate Festival
As previously mentioned, Italians take Valentine’s Day so seriously that they even have a chocolate festival! This helps Italians keep their moods up during one of the coldest times of year, the beginning of February. Tourists skyrocket during these times as they travel to some of the most romantic spots in Italy. There is even a tribute to Romeo and Juliet in Verona, Italy, where a large red heart is adorned in the town square and patrons can participate in a love letter writing contest.
5. Say I Love You in Many Ways
While Italians and other nations have many ways of saying “I love you,” there are a few ways Italians say it differently. Here are a few common sayings you may hear on February 14th.
1. “Amo te oggi e sempre. Buon San Valentino.” This means: I love you today and forever. Happy Valentine’s Day!
2. “Ti Amo.” This is a simple “I love you,” however, the Italian language has multiple variations of this saying. Ti Amo is more of a love meant for a significant other. By saying “Ti Voglio Bene” for example, this refers to a platonic love between parents or children, or to a friend.
3. “Buon San Valentino, Amore Mio.” This means: Happy Valentine’s day my love!
Sources
Italian Valentine’s Day Traditions [Cucina Toscana]
The story behind ‘Baci’: Europe’s most romantic chocolate turns 100 [euronews.culture
4 Ways to Say “I love you!” in Italian [Daily Italian Words]
Valentine’s Day in Italy [Great Italian Chefs]
Baci Chocolate image [Hippo Px]
