In what countries is Valentine's Day observed?

Valentine's Day originated in the West, so it's usually celebrated mostly in Europe, the United Kingdom and the USA. However, it's become an international day to celebrate love, with different traditions in each country.

What are some Valentine's Day traditions?

The most typical gifts for couples to exchange are flowers, chocolates and cards . However, there are countries that celebrate it with other traditions: in Japan and Korea, symbolic chocolates are exchanged, in Croatia, they bake heart-shaped cakes, and in Germany, lovers exchange lucky pigs.

What is the most typical Valentine's Day food?

Since Valentine's Day is extra sweet, it's common to give chocolates, bonbons , sweets and treats of all kinds. Although it's also usually celebrated with a romantic dinner.

Where did Valentine's Day originate?

Although its origins are usually attributed to the time of the Roman Empire, Valentine's Day began to be celebrated more widely in England and France in the 15th century. It later spread to other countries, like Italy and Germany.

February 14

Valentine's Day

Q: How did Valentine's Day originate?

Valentine's Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the priest St. Valentine of Rome . Legend has it that, in 3rd-century Rome, Emperor Claudius II prohibited young people from getting married because unmarried men with no emotional bonds made better soldiers. The priest St. Valentine ignored the order and devoted himself to secretly marrying soldiers in love . Upon hearing of this, the emperor sentenced the priest to death on February 14.

Celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14.

What is Valentine's Day?

Also known as "Lovers' Day," it's a Christian holiday that was created to commemorate the good deeds done in Rome by a priest named Valentine. In the 3rd century, he challenged an order of Emperor Claudius II that prohibited young people from getting married by holding weddings in secret. As a result, over time, he become the patron saint of lovers.

When is Valentine's Day?

Valentine was executed on February 14, 270. A short time later, and thanks to Pope Gelasius I, this date became known as Valentine's Day, and was included in the traditional liturgical calendar and celebrated over the next 15 centuries. In 1969, it was removed from the calendar by the Second Vatican Council, although its spirit was already imbued in society.

Valentine's Day gifts and promotions

Many kinds of gifts are given on Valentine's Day to show affection for a loved one. From flowers, one of the most typical gifts, to bonbons, trips, clothing, accessories and technology; it's a big shopping day for people of all ages.

If you want to finance your Valentine's Day purchases, calculate your loan

Would you like more information?

Valentine's Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the priest St. Valentine of Rome. Legend has it that, in 3rd-century Rome, Emperor Claudius II prohibited young people from getting married because unmarried men with no emotional bonds made better soldiers.

The priest St. Valentine ignored the order and devoted himself to secretly marrying soldiers in love. Upon hearing of this, the emperor sentenced the priest to death on February 14.

Other important dates

Father's Day is a celebration or homage dedicated to fathers. In general, the European Catholic tradition commemorates it on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, Jesus's adoptive father.

More information
Mother's Day is the date when mothers from all over the world are honored. In Spain, it's observed on the first Sunday in May, although it's generally celebrated on the second Sunday of this month.

More information
The UN General Assembly (UN) ruled in April 2017 that the International Day of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be held on June 27.

More information

Did you know that you don't need to be a customer to try the BBVA app?