5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Colombia

Colombian gift-giving is not only practiced in romantic relationships, but also among family and friends.

In Colombia, Valentine’s Day is known as Dia de Amor y Amistad, which translates to the Day of Love and Friendship. But unlike other countries, Colombia celebrates Valentine’s Day on the third Saturday of September every year.

Back in 1969, the nation wanted to prevent the holiday from interfering with the school season. Chocolates and roses also sold better during September. Additionally, September in Colombia had no special holidays at the time, and so the dates were changed to September.

The tradition is still practiced to this day. Towards the end of August, Colombians decorate their shops and homes with heart-shaped cutouts and balloons to welcome Dia de Amor y Amistad in an extravaganza of love and appreciation.

Colombian gift-giving is not only practiced between romantic partners, but also among family and friends. Chocolates, roses, balloons, and Valentine’s Day cards are common staples during the romantic holiday.

If you’re interested in pursuing Colombian women during Dia de Amor y Amistad, then here are a few ideas you can use to celebrate this special event.

1. Amor y Amistad

Celebrated on September 17 this 2022, Día del Amor y la Amistad is a combination of Valentine’s Day and World Friendship Day. It’s normal for friends and family members to give each other chocolates to express their love and affection.

Single men and women also have a chance to win the heart of their romantic interest by either wooing them in public or giving them a beautiful bouquet with a card that expresses their love.

To make your romantic intentions clear with a Colombian woman, it’s important to let her know what you think of her. Flirt with her. Give her a sincere compliment. The majority of Colombian women enjoy being pursued, especially on Dia de Amor y Amistad.

Your wooing efforts may be more effective since it’s the most romantic holiday of the year.

2. Gift-giving

Colombian Valentine’s Day follows the same gift-giving tradition as the rest of the world, like giving chocolates and flowers. As early as the first week of September, you may see vendors selling Valentine’s Day roses and sweets.

But it doesn’t stop there. Many Colombians send personalized cards and find creative ideas to make heartfelt tokens as an expression of their love.

With the over commercialization of Valentine’s Day, there are several gift options you can choose from online. And with the ease of modern technology, you can have it delivered right to her doorstep.

The only challenge is finding a gift she can appreciate. To figure out what she likes, find out her favorite flowers, brand of chocolate, or what she enjoys doing. Chances are, you’ll find a Valentine’s gift that she will like.

3. Amigo secreto

A popular Colombian Valentine’s Day activity is playing amigo secreto, which translates to secret friend in English. It’s similar to the game Secret Santa played during Christmas. Names are written on a piece of paper and placed in a container.

Everyone will draw a paper to pick out a name. Then, they will have to give that person chocolates or treats until the day of Dia de Amor y Amistad. What makes the activity fun is that it’s all done anonymously, so the person won’t know who’s the gift-giver until the final day.

If you try this out with a Colombian woman, the anonymity part may defeat the purpose of the surprise. After all, you may not be around her all the time or can only talk with her online.

Nevertheless, many Colombian women don’t mind being showered with small gifts and tokens of appreciation. This leaves you an opportunity to surprise her with thoughtful gifts that’ll leave a good impression.

4. Dancing

Colombians find dancing at celebrations and holidays as natural as breathing. A popular dance in the country is cumbia, which is used to court women. It’s an old folklore dance style dating back to the colonial period in the Caribbean. Couples dance around each other as if performing a playful dance chase.

During Valentine’s Day, Colombians don’t waste the opportunity to have fun dancing, especially women who just want to let off some steam. Many Colombian night clubs and bars open their doors during Valentine’s Day.

If you find yourself in Colombia during Dia de Amor y Amistad, then take your romantic partner out dancing. Or find a Colombian lady to share the dance floor with.

5. A romantic dinner

Having a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant is another way Colombians celebrate Valentine’s Day. Restaurants and bars put up Valentine’s Day themed decorations and might add fresh flowers to the table.

Special menu items will be included to mark the special occasion and romantic music will be played in the background. Most couples dine out on Valentine’s Day, which makes it one of the busiest days of the year.

If you’re late making reservations at a nice restaurant and having a tough time looking for open restaurants, a cheaper alternative is to stay at home and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a home-cooked meal. Or even order a take-out.

You can make your own cocktails, share a homemade chocolate dessert, and maybe even cuddle on the couch while watching a Valentine’s Day movie.

Celebrating Love and Romance in Colombia

Giving 12 Valentine’s Day roses is a traditional way to express your love for your girl.

Love comes in many forms. For many Colombians, Dia de Amor y Amistad is a celebration of both romantic and familial love. Even those without romantic partners can receive affection in the form of small gifts and tokens.

It’s also big business for many local vendors and merchants, especially the flower business. According to an article in npr.org, Colombia is the number one supplier of flowers to the U.S. despite challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and earns around $1.5 billion worth of roses, carnations, orchids, and other floral species.

That’s great for the Colombian economy and another reason to celebrate Dia de Amor y Amistad.

Are you currently single and looking for love on Valentine’s Day? Why not consider international dating? Lots of beautiful single Colombian women are also looking for love and a serious relationship. Start your journey of finding love today!