February 14, Valentine’s Day is for friends, not just lovers. In parts of Latin America, including Perú, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Mexico, known as El Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship), it’s meant to recognize and honor love and friendship.
Just as in the US, Valentine’s Day is a very special celebration in Latin America and each country has fun traditions that are celebrated in different ways.
In El Salvador, for example, people draw names and exchange gifts in a tradition known as Amigo Secreto, Secret Friend.
People in Peru celebrate the day with gifts, such as flowers, stuffed animals, and candy, as well as letters, songs, and poems. There’s also a special tradition where people burn dolls, which represent evil and heartbreak.
In Mexico, Valentine’s Day is known as El Día de la Amistad, Day of Friendship or El Día de los Enamorados, Day of People In-Love. One special tradition is to give each other bracelets to promise mutual eternal love.
In Colombia, February 14 is known as El Día de San Valentín, Valentine’s Day. Colombians celebrate the day with the tradition of the besos, the kisses, where people in-love kiss each other seven times to wish good luck for the rest of the year. In Latin America, people celebrate love and friendship during Valentine’s Day in interesting and unique ways. As your students, friends, and family get excited about celebrating this day, go ahead and share how Latin Americans enjoy it, and this time, maybe you want to try it celebrating it a lo Latino!
© 2022 • Moises Medina