How Valentine’s Day 2025 is Celebrated in Different Countries in South America
Valentine’s Day, known as Día de San Valentín or Día del Amor y la Amistad in many South American countries, is a day to celebrate love, friendship, and affection. While the holiday shares similarities with celebrations in other parts of the world, each country in South America has its own unique traditions and customs. Here’s a Bloom & Song Florist guide to how Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the continent.
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1. Brazil
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on June 12, known as Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day), to avoid clashing with the Carnival festivities in February.
- Gifts and Gestures: Couples exchange gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and perfumes. Heart-shaped decorations and cards are also popular.
- Romantic Dinners: Restaurants are often fully booked as couples enjoy special meals together.
- Music and Festivities: Brazilian music, particularly bossa nova and samba, sets the mood for romantic celebrations.
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2. Argentina
In Argentina, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, but the country also has its own Week of Sweetness in July.
- Gifts and Sweets: Couples exchange chocolates, candies, and other sweet treats. Red roses and romantic cards are also common.
- Romantic Dinners: Like in many other countries, couples enjoy candlelit dinners at home or in restaurants.
- Week of Sweetness: In July, Argentinians celebrate La Semana de la Dulzura, where people exchange kisses for sweets, emphasizing both romantic and platonic love.
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3. Colombia
In Colombia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on September 20, known as Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship).
- Secret Friends: A popular tradition is the Amigo Secreto (Secret Friend), where people exchange gifts with a randomly chosen friend or colleague, similar to a Secret Santa.
- Games and Activities: Schools and workplaces often organize games and activities to celebrate friendship and love.
- Gifts and Flowers: Couples exchange flowers, chocolates, and cards, while friends also give small tokens of appreciation.
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4. Chile
In Chile, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, with a strong emphasis on both romantic and platonic love.
- Gifts and Cards: Couples and friends exchange cards, flowers, and chocolates. Heart-shaped decorations are common.
- Romantic Dinners: Restaurants offer special menus, and couples often enjoy intimate dinners.
- Public Celebrations: Some cities host public events, such as concerts and festivals, to celebrate love and friendship.
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5. Peru
In Peru, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, with a mix of modern and traditional customs.
- Gifts and Flowers: Red roses, chocolates, and romantic cards are popular gifts. Many people also give handmade gifts to show their affection.
- Romantic Dinners: Couples enjoy special meals, often featuring Peruvian cuisine like ceviche or lomo saltado.
- Festivals and Events: Some cities host festivals and events, including music performances and dance shows.
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6. Venezuela
In Venezuela, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, with a focus on both love and friendship.
- Gifts and Sweets: Couples and friends exchange chocolates, flowers, and cards. Heart-shaped decorations are common.
- Romantic Dinners: Restaurants offer special menus, and couples often enjoy candlelit dinners.
- Public Celebrations: Some cities host public events, such as concerts and festivals, to celebrate love and friendship.
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7. Ecuador
In Ecuador, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, with a strong emphasis on romantic love.
- Gifts and Flowers: Red roses, chocolates, and romantic cards are popular gifts. Many people also give handmade gifts to show their affection.
- Romantic Dinners: Couples enjoy special meals, often featuring Ecuadorian cuisine like ceviche or encebollado.
- Festivals and Events: Some cities host festivals and events, including music performances and dance shows.
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8. Bolivia
In Bolivia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, with a mix of modern and traditional customs.
- Gifts and Flowers: Red roses, chocolates, and romantic cards are popular gifts. Many people also give handmade gifts to show their affection.
- Romantic Dinners: Couples enjoy special meals, often featuring Bolivian cuisine like salteñas or anticuchos.
- Festivals and Events: Some cities host festivals and events, including music performances and dance shows.
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9. Paraguay
In Paraguay, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, with a focus on both love and friendship.
- Gifts and Sweets: Couples and friends exchange chocolates, flowers, and cards. Heart-shaped decorations are common.
- Romantic Dinners: Restaurants offer special menus, and couples often enjoy candlelit dinners.
- Public Celebrations: Some cities host public events, such as concerts and festivals, to celebrate love and friendship.
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10. Uruguay
In Uruguay, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, with a strong emphasis on romantic love.
- Gifts and Flowers: Red roses, chocolates, and romantic cards are popular gifts. Many people also give handmade gifts to show their affection.
- Romantic Dinners: Couples enjoy special meals, often featuring Uruguayan cuisine like asado or chivito.
- Festivals and Events: Some cities host festivals and events, including music performances and dance shows.
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Valentine’s Day in South America is a vibrant and diverse celebration of love, friendship, and affection. Whether it’s through romantic dinners, heartfelt gifts, or lively festivals, each country has its own unique way of honoring the spirit of the holiday. No matter where you are in South America, Valentine’s Day is a time to cherish and express love in all its forms.
