DÍA DEL AMOR Y LA AMISTAD

VALENTINE'S DAY

Let's celebrate it in the Jennifer's way! Find a date, don't be "single" 

"Happy Love and Friendship Day"

It is February! Everyone is preparing for Valentine’s Day, but what about the singles? Like me! Well, in Spanish we don’t only call it “Día San Valentin” but also “Día del Amor y la Amsitad.” February 14 is a day to be spent with your loved ones. For us, love is not only for lovers but also for friends. We love our friends and appreciate everyone who is around us. 

If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a Latino way, you will first need to know that “February 14” is not a valentine’s day for all everyone. 

Sofia Vergara with the Colombian Flag

In Colombia, “El Día de Amor y Amistad” is celebrated on the third Saturday of September. For Colombians, it is not the day of chocolates and flowers only. It is the day to show affection to the ones you care the most. Even though Colombians celebrate it on a unique day, Colombians had a reason for celebrating it that day.

Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day? Why is it called “Valentines” on the first place?

During the Roman Empire, Emperor Claudio II prohibited any soldier from marrying because he believed that warriors in love are not callous to kill the enemies. In that no-love time, a priest, San Valentin believed in true love and decided to marry the soldiers. Unfortunately, the Emperor beheaded the brave priest on February 14. 

Why do Colombians celebrate it on a different day?

Colombians changed the Valentines Day date in 1969 because they believe that February is a month for school and that in September there are no festivals. Therefore, they decided to move “Dia del Amor y la Amistad” to September. This year, 2014, Valentine’s Day is going to be on Sunday, September 21.

What do Colombians do in El Día del Amor y la Amistad?

There is a game called “Amigo Secreto,” Secret Friend. The game consists of bringing a group of friends together and in a container write the names of everyone who wants to participate. Once you draw out a name, you are uncharged to give this person sweets, flowers and lovely letters for the entire month. Make sure that your friend doesn't know that you are the one giving him/her gifts.

More exciting to know, Brazil celebrates Carnivals right after February 14. Carnivals are usually celebrated in late February or early March. Because February 14 is too close to Carnivals, Brazilians decided to celebrate “Día Dos Namorados” or Lover’s Day on June 12. Brazilian lovers usually have marriage proposals on this day.

Since I am living in the United States of America, I decided to celebrate this Valentine’s with one of my roommates. Well, she is not single but her boyfriend is in Los Angeles. So, we decided to have a dinner date and give each other presents. If you are asking what I am planning to give her, I was planning on giving her a encouraging letter and some sweets. But a week ago when I was at the Dollar Tree store, I found a Design your own tumbler. Here is a link in case you want to buy one! 

I would like to conclude this post with a Bible verse about love,

El amor es paciente, es bondadoso. El amor no es envidioso ni jactancioso ni orgulloso. No se comporta con rudeza, no es egoísta, no se enoja fácilmente, no guarda rencor. El amor no se deleita en la maldad sino que se regocija con la verdad. Todo lo disculpa, todo lo cree, todo lo espera, todo lo soporta.

- 1 Corintios 13:4-7