Valentine’s Day in Mexico: what are the differences?
Although it is a recent heritage, Valentine's Day in Mexico does not lack enthusiasm when it comes to celebrating! Better yet, over time, Mexico has developed its own traditions that are clearly worth a visit on this day full of love...
Valentine's Day in Mexico: a very special meaning
What is the origin of Valentine’s Day in Mexico?
Today, 67% of the population celebrates Valentine's Day in Mexico, even though this holiday has no basis in Mexican culture.
In fact, this tradition inherited from Roman antiquity was exported as a result of two phenomena: Spanish colonization and globalization.
El DÃa del Amor y la Amistad
Although there are the classic candlelight dinners and bouquets of roses, Valentine's Day in Mexico has a very special meaning: beyond celebrating love in the romantic sense, it also includes all forms of love. This is why February 14th is called "El DÃa del Amor y la Amistad", the day of love and friendship.
Even without a date, Valentine's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the love we have for all our loved ones, whether platonic or romantic. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see groups of friends walking together in the streets and enjoying the organized events.
What are the Valentine's Day traditions in Mexico?
Balloons releases
As in most countries, there are the usual gifts of flowers, candy and chocolates. But what makes Valentine's Day in Mexico so unique is the importance given to balloons.
Pink or red in color and heart-shaped, they are accompanied by sweet words and are the perfect opportunity to express your feelings or affection to your loved one. On February 14, it is common to see balloons coloring the sky all day.
How do you declare your love in Mexico?
During Valentine's Day, it is common for young men to hire a Mariachi band, those traditional trios of musicians, to accompany them while they serenade their sweetheart under her window. Practiced since colonial times, this custom remains a must for Mexican lovers.
Valentine's Day is also a great opportunity to indulge in the tradition of El Paseo. Literally translated as "walk", El Paseo marks the end of the working day: between 7 and 8 pm, Mexicans usually gather with their friends and family to stroll the streets, on the beach or sit on a terrace with a drink.
In some places, it also happens that the young people of the community gather in the town square to parade in front of the young women. When a boy passes a girl he likes, he offers her a flower. If the young woman is still wearing the flower at the next round, it means that she is interested in her suitor. At this point, she can leave her group of friends and go for a walk with the young man. This tradition is the origin of the Spanish expression andar con, the equivalent term to date in English.
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Buen viaje,
Joséphine