Valentine's Day: Origins and Celebrations in Italy
When February arrives, shop windows fill with hearts, boxes of chocolates, and bouquets of flowers. But where does this tradition come from? Is Valentine's Day celebrated the same way everywhere in the world? How is it celebrated in Italy? Let us explain!
The Origins of Valentine's Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to Ancient Rome. The Romans celebrated the Lupercalia, pagan festivals dedicated to fertility. These included sacrifices in the cave where the she-wolf nursed Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
However, during the time of Pope Gelasius I, around the year 498, the festival was Christianized and named after Saint Valentine.
But who was Saint Valentine? Valentine was the bishop of the city of Terni. He died by decapitation (or execution) in 269. The reasons are unclear. Some say he married a Christian woman and a Roman man when Christianity was persecuted. Others claim he married a soldier when it was forbidden for them to have wives.
Legend also says that, while imprisoned, Valentine (not yet a saint) had an affair with the jailer’s daughter. He wrote her love letters signed “Your Valentine.” That’s why, nowadays, if you want to express your love to your partner on Valentine's Day, you need to bring out your inner Shakespeare. Thank the bishop for that!
Where Is Valentine's Day Celebrated in Italy?
- Treviso: In this northern Italian city, children’s games and various activities are organized, including a unique parade of masked floats.
- Vico: In this southern Italian town, the streets are decorated with oranges and laurel. Young couples drink orange juice to strengthen their eternal love.
- Terni: The city of Saint Valentine. Here, Valentine's Day is celebrated in a very special way with exhibitions, wine tastings, performances, and guided tours. Couples getting married this year must make a vow of love in front of the saint’s relics for a prosperous life together.
- Verona: The city of Romeo and Juliet is a must-visit during this time. "If you love someone, bring them to Verona," they say. Valentine's Day here includes heart decorations, concerts, a heart-shaped market in Piazza dei Signori, a shower of hearts with love messages, and much more. It's all about the hearts!
The Sweet of Valentine’s Day: Baci Perugina
This chocolate is especially gifted during Valentine's Day, but what you might not know is that it was born from a secret love story. Luisa Spagnoli worked at a chocolate factory in Perugia (Perugina). One day, she had the idea to mix chocolate with leftover hazelnuts from other preparations. The owner of the chocolate shop, Giovanni Buitoni, who was also Luisa's lover, named them "Baci" (kisses). Inside the wrapper, Luisa included secret love messages for Giovanni.
These chocolates became so popular that the tradition continued, with messages of love inspired by famous figures added to the wrappers.
Celebrate at Rossini
If you can’t travel to Italy for Valentine’s Day, we invite you to take a journey through the Italian dishes at Restaurante Rossini. Celebrate your romantic dinner in our restaurant at Plaza Real. A welcome glass of cava, live music, and the best Italian food in Barcelona await you.