Italian Valentines

Explore the traditions of Italian Valentines as we steadily approach the upcoming celebration of love

Valentine's Day, known as "San Valentino" in Italian, is celebrated in Italy with various traditions and customs similar to those in many other countries, as well as some unique to Italian culture. Here are some Italian Valentine's Day traditions

Valentine’s Day in Italy was historically celebrated as a Spring Festival. They will celebrate the advent of spring together by spending time outdoors, strolling in parks, sitting under trees or in beautiful gardens, and listening to music or talking.

TRADITIONS FOR Couples

Contemporary Italian couples may present each other with small, chocolate-covered hazelnut candies by Perugina, which are filled with a sweet cherry liquid center. The inside wrapper of Perguina Baci candies boast romantic poetry.

Italian couples also follow the tradition of padlocking their love to a bridge or railing, and throwing the key away.

In Verona, Italy – known as the city of Romeo and Juliet – there is a four-day Valentine’s celebration, with heart lanterns lining the city and free concerts in the Piazza dei Signori. There is also a love-letter writing contest and romantic dinner specials in restaurants around town

TRADITIONS FOR SINGLES

For young, single girls in Italy in the past, it was believed that the first man they saw on Valentine’s Day would be the man they married – or at least a man who looked like him! As such, young girls would wake up early and look out their window at men who walked by