Unloved on Valentines Day? Try Latin America

By Jennifer Lubrani

“Mas enamorado que el cabro cupido”  (A saying from Puerto Rico that means to be more in love than a goat shot by Cupid’s arrow or to be head over heels in love).

Latin American countries are increasingly adopting the U.S. version of Valentines Day.

But some important differences remain. Most notably, Latin Americans tend to extend their warm feelings to friends and family as well as lovers on a day called “un dia de amor y amistad” (day of love and friendship).

They also often mark the occasion later in the year than Valentines Day.

Throughout Latin America on “el dia de amor y amistad,” friends, lovers, coworkers or family members gather to exchange Valentine’s cards, flowers, and gifts.

But several countries add their own twist to Valentines Day.

Guatemala. In Guatemala, the day is known as el dia del cariño (day of love). Like their American counterparts, Guatemaltecos  exchange flowers, chocolates and cards. But like most of Latin America, this day is also about friendships and love, so coworkers and family members also get in on the action.

Mexico. For example, in Mexico, where Valentine’s Day celebrated on the same day as in the U.S. (Feb. 14), it’s a day for both love and friendship. Friends go out to dinner, give each other cards or flowers.

But the Mexicans also reserve the day for romantic pursuits, such as winning a girl’s heart. This is done by observing the tradition of “serenata,” which means sending a full-fledge Mariachi band to the object of a man’s desire in hopes that the serenade will win her over.

Colombia. Hombres in Colombia also use serenades to woo prospective lovers. But the day falls on the third Sunday in September and the music might sound a bit different. While Colombian men also use Mariachi’s, they’ve been known to employ guitar duos or trios to declare their love.

Bolivia. Bolivia also marks Valentines Day in September, but its day of love is celebrated on September 21 in conjunction with students’ day and children’s day. The day is observed by giving cards, flowers, and chocolates to friends, family, and lovers.

Brazil. In Brazil, apparently, just being lovers is not sufficient cause for a day of celebration. The country observes  “el dia dos namorados” on June 12. On this day, Brazileños honor Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage.

Singletons participate in rituals like writing the names of their crushes on scraps of paper the night before and then opening the pieces of paper on el dia dos namorades, to determine whom they should marry.

Argentina, Spain. The Argentines and the Spanish celebrate much the same as in the U.S. But in  Argentina, they celebrate the “dia del amigo” (day of the friend) on July 20.

So this Valentine’s Day, if you happen find yourself without an admirer or object of affection, don’t worry. You can always visit a Latin American country later in the year and  send some love to your friends or family.

In Jennifer’s previous guest post for Travelojos, she wrote about New Year’s Eve superstitions in Latin America. Follow her on Twitter at meningioma

Photo by Celso Flores (Via Creative Commons)