How Is Love Celebrated in the Spanish-Speaking World?

Argentina and Chile

Known as el Día de los Enamorados ("Valentine's Day") in Argentina and Chile, the celebration is similar to that of the U.S. Couples give each other flowers and chocolates and enjoy a romantic evening. 

Peru

In Peru, it’s customary to give orquídeas ("orchids") instead of roses. In Guatemala, where the day is known as el Día del Cariño ("Day of Affection"), it’s common to give sentimental gifts to lovers, friends, and coworkers. 

El Salvador

Children in El Salvador celebrate with a game called Angelito ("little angel") or Amigo Secreto ("secret friend"), where each child gives a small gift to their amigo secreto.

Mexico

Mexico celebrates el Día de San Valentín, more commonly called el Día del Amor y la Amistad ("Day of Love and Friendship"). In addition to exchanging gifts with their partners, people in Mexico also celebrate their friends on this day!

Colombia

In Colombia, the February holiday isn’t as significant since their Día del Amor y la Amistad falls on September 20. On this day, people give gifts to secret admirers and confess their feelings. 

Bolivia

Bolivia celebrates el Día del Amor y la Amistad one day later than in Colombia, on September 21. Since that marks the beginning of spring below the equator, the day feels especially joyful! 

Unique Love-related Traditions in Spain

Spain has, to some extent, embraced the candy-heart version of Valentine’s Day. However, many regions have their own traditions on different days to celebrate love.

On October 9, Valencia celebrates the mocadorà, a Valencian word that essentially means "the handkerchief day." It's celebrated on the day of San Dionís ("Saint Denis"), which is also the holiday to celebrate the region of Valencia! Men give their significant others handkerchiefs filled with marzipan candies shaped like fruit, which is a nod to the Valencian harvest.

In Aragón and Cataluña, April 23 marks el Día de San Jorge ("St. George’s Day"), or la Diada de Sant Jordi in the local language, catalán. The Aragonese honor St. George’s legendary dragon-slaying, while in Cataluña, the day doubles as a celebration of love and literature.

In Cataluña, couples exchange gifts; traditionally, men give women roses, and women give men books. However, this tradition isn't necessarily the norm anymore. On this day, book vendors fill the streets and offer discounts to commemorate the deaths of Shakespeare, Cervantes, and Josep Pla—all on April 23! The day is also marked by Catalan national pride, with flags flying and choirs performing in town squares.

Vocabulary for Valentine’s Day

So, how can you impress your friends and loved ones with your Spanish skills this Valentine’s Day and beyond? Shower them with besos ("kisses") and abrazos ("hugs"), and use the vocabulary below!

Terms of Endearment

• amor – "love"
• amorcito – "sweetie" / "darling"
• cariño – "honey" / "love" / "sweetheart"
• cielo – "sweetheart" / "angel"
• mi amor – "my love"

Adjectives to Compliment Someone

• bello/a – "lovely" / "beautiful"
• bonito/a – "pretty" / "lovely" / "beautiful"
• guapo/a – "handsome" / " hot" 
• hermoso/a – "beautiful" / "gorgeous"
• lindo/a – "cute" / "lovely"

How to Say “I Like/Love You”

• Me caes bien. – "I like you." (non-romantic)
• Me gustas. – "I like you." (romantic)
• Me gustas mucho. – "I really like you." (romantic)
• Te amo. – "I love you deeply."
• Te quiero. – "I love you."

Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

• abrazar – "to hug"
• acurrucarse / arrimarse – "to snuggle" / "to cuddle"
• el/la amante – "lover"
• el amor – "love"
• besar – "to kiss"
• los caramelos – "candies"
• los chuches / las golosinas / los dulces – "candy"
• una cita – "a date"
• el corazón – "heart"
• enamorado/a – "in love"
• enamorarse – "to fall in love"
• la esposa / la mujer – "wife"
• el esposo / el marido – "husband"
• las flores – "flowers"
• los globos – "balloons"
• la joyería – "jewelry"
• el novio / la novia – "boyfriend" / "girlfriend"
• la reserva / la reservación – "reservation"
• las rosas – "roses"
• salir – "to go out"

Final Thoughts

Whether you celebrate el Día de San Valentín or another day of love and friendship, you can make the people in your life feel extra special by lavishing them with love in two languages!