Valentine’s Day, or El Día del Amor y la Amistad, is celebrated in Mexico on February 14th. If you speak Spanish, you’ll notice that this does not translate directly to Valentine’s Day, but the day of love and friendship.
There are lots of unique ways to celebrate and show your love to everyone on this holiday.
Gifts for your Partner and Friends on Valentine’s Day
Festive balloons
Something that makes Mexican Valentine’s Day unique is the importance of balloons. Heart-shaped balloons are a staple in the most vibrant shades of red and pink. Most of them have sweet, love-filled messages on them that will put a smile on your recipient’s face.
They are a great way to express romantic feelings or to let a friend know how much you care about them. Many people release their balloons into the sky as a way to celebrate. Whether you are in a bustling city like Mexico City or you are in a smaller town, expect to see colorful balloons filling the sky throughout the day.
Flowers and more
Red roses are another way of displaying your affection to a certain someone. Of course, flowers are beautiful, but they are also specifically associated with Valentine’s day. They are the perfect gift for their significance and their accessibility.
Roses are actually sold all year in Mexico. In fact, there is an abundance of flower vendors, so they will not be difficult to find if this is the gift that you have in mind. There is even a 24-hour flower market in Mexico City.
Flowers are classic and simple, yet also elegant. Like in other Western countries, many people also give out chocolate, candies, perfumes, cards, and other small gifts to express their love to their friends, family, and romantic love interests.
What to Do on Valentine’s Day
Although this holiday is not deep-rooted in cultural tradition, there are many fun and festive ways to celebrate with your significant other and friends.
Here is how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that is uniquely Mexican.
Treat someone to dinner and music
Why not take someone out to eat? In Mexico, it is common practice to take romantic partners or close friends out to dinner on this special occasion. Mexicans take El Día del Amor y la Amistad very seriously.
Restaurants decorate and create an exciting atmosphere by adorning their walls with hearts and the colors red and pink. But make sure that you make a reservation—restaurants will fill up very quickly and you don’t want to miss out on a seat.
Another great way to celebrate is having a Mariachi band serenade your loved one right at the dinner table. Mariachi music is solely a part of Mexican culture and is mainly composed of string instruments.
Mariachi bands traditionally play at weddings, so they are usually associated with romance in Mexico. It is a unique addition to a romantic dinner to display your love and gratitude.
Schools
Schools also make sure children are involved and having fun on El Día del Amor y la Amistad. Teachers and students decorate their classrooms with red and pink hearts to embrace the warm and cheery atmosphere. They also have a gift exchange of cards and sweets.
Poetry is another staple in classrooms across Mexico. Children will write poems and host a contest to see who had the best one. They attach their poems to balloons that they have already decorated and when they are ready, they release them into the sky.
Wooing your love interest
One of the best and most effective ways to garner the attention of a romantic partner or love interest is to sing to them. This traditional way of celebrating is typically associated with men.
As tradition goes, a man will stand outside their crush’s window and serenade them with the help of a Mariachi Band. This is one of the few traditions that run deep into Mexican culture in relation to Valentine’s day.
Singing to your beloved, requited or not, is a common and embraced way of showing your feelings and saying te amo, or I love you. It involves passion and emotion in the hopes of winning over your lady.
Embracing Friendship
As mentioned, your amigos (friends) are a vital part of Mexican Valentine’s Day. This holiday is all about inclusion. The purpose is not to single out those who aren’t married or in a relationship. This differs from the way many other western countries celebrate this day of love.
On the contrary, El Día del Amor y la Amistad allows everyone to show their affection whether it is romantic or platonic. Friends will walk the streets together and enjoy the festivities around them. They will sing, dance, eat, play games, and overall enjoy the atmosphere of the day into the night.
Other Mexican Holidays
There are many interesting, cultural holidays and traditions to learn about further.
Check out these Mexican holidays:
- Three Kings Day
- Christmas and New Years
- Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos
- Mexican Independence Day
- Send money to friends and family in Mexico for El Buen Fin
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