A Guide to How Valentine’s Day is Celebrated in Europe
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a day of love and romance across Europe. While the holiday has its roots in Christian and ancient Roman traditions, each European country has developed its own unique ways of celebrating. From romantic dinners to quirky customs, here’s a guide to how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Europe.
1. Romantic Dinners and Gifts
In many European countries, Valentine’s Day is marked by romantic gestures such as candlelit dinners, bouquets of red roses, and exchanging gifts like chocolates, jewelry, and cards. Restaurants often offer special Valentine’s Day menus, and couples take the opportunity to spend quality time together.
2. Unique Traditions Across Europe
Each European country has its own unique Valentine’s Day traditions:
- United Kingdom: In the UK, couples exchange cards, flowers, and gifts. A quirky tradition involves sending anonymous cards signed “from your Valentine.”
- France: Known as the “City of Love,” Paris is a popular destination for couples on Valentine’s Day. The French also celebrate with poetry, as the first Valentine’s Day card was reportedly sent by a French duke in the 15th century.
- Italy: Couples celebrate with romantic dinners and exchange gifts like Baci Perugina (chocolate kisses with love notes inside). In some regions, couples attach padlocks to bridges and throw the keys into the water as a symbol of eternal love.
- Denmark and Norway: Friends and lovers exchange gaekkebrev (joke letters), which are funny poems or notes signed with anonymous dots. If the recipient guesses the sender’s identity correctly, they earn an Easter egg later in the year.
- Wales: Instead of Valentine’s Day, the Welsh celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St. Dwynwen’s Day) on January 25. Couples exchange handmade wooden spoons, known as lovespoons, as a symbol of affection.
3. Public Celebrations and Festivals
Many European cities host public events and festivals to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower is often lit up in red, and couples flock to the city’s iconic landmarks. In Verona, Italy (the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet), the city hosts a four-day festival with love-themed events, including a competition for the best love letter.
4. Focus on Friendship and Family
While Valentine’s Day is primarily a romantic holiday, some European countries also celebrate friendship and family. In Finland and Estonia, the day is called Ystävänpäivä and Sõbrapäev, respectively, meaning “Friends’ Day.” People exchange cards and gifts with friends and loved ones, making it a more inclusive celebration.
5. Creative Expressions of Love
Europeans are known for their creativity when it comes to expressing love. Handwritten love letters, personalized gifts, and handmade crafts are common. In recent years, social media has also become a popular platform for sharing heartfelt messages and photos.
6. Regional Foods and Treats
Food plays a significant role in Valentine’s Day celebrations across Europe. Couples might enjoy traditional dishes or indulge in sweet treats like:
- France: Macarons, chocolates, and champagne.
- Italy: Heart-shaped pizzas, pasta dishes, and tiramisu.
- Belgium: Luxury chocolates and waffles.
- Austria: Heart-shaped gingerbread cookies.
7. Shopping and Commercialization
Valentine’s Day is a major commercial holiday in Europe, with shops and online retailers offering special promotions on gifts, flowers, and chocolates. Many couples take advantage of these deals to surprise their loved ones with thoughtful presents.
8. Romantic Getaways
Europe’s picturesque cities and landscapes make it a popular destination for romantic getaways. Couples often plan trips to destinations like Paris, Venice, or the Swiss Alps to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a memorable way.
Valentine’s Day in Europe is a celebration of love in all its forms, from romantic gestures to expressions of friendship and family bonds. Whether it’s through unique traditions, delicious food, or romantic getaways, Europeans know how to make the day special. If you’re in Europe on February 14, you’re sure to be swept up in the warmth and charm of the celebrations.
