Feliz Dia Del Amigo

Every year, Brazileños celebrate Valentine's Day on June 12th instead of February 14th in honor of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of matchmaking and marriage. St. Anthony was a Portuguese monk who died in the 13th century. This holiday is known as Dia dos Namorados or literally the Day of the Enamored. Traditionally, many women perform rituals called simpatias in order to find a good husband or boyfriend. On this day many couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards, and flowers. The celebrations in Brazil often consist of lavish parties and stunning costumes, and Dia dos Namorados is no exception to this tradition.

If you happen to be here on June 12th during your Brazil travel you may find that shopping centers are crowded with people buying gifts for their sweetheart. Think of it this way, you get to celebrate two days of love in one year. Buy your beloved a cool tour around Brazil, or try traditional Brazil cuisine and have a night out on the town. There is no easier place to find an activity or gift that your significant other will love. Personally, gifts from the heart are the best, and if you both love to travel than a trip to a nearby town or a romantic night in a hotel would be perfect.

Valentine's Day of February 14th is generally not celebrated at all in Brazil for both cultural and commercial regions. It also falls very close to Carnaval, a major holiday in Brazil, long regarded as a holiday of debauchery.

Another exception is in Colombia where Valentine's Day is celebrated every third Saturday of September, and "secret santa" like gift exchanging is popular. Throughout the rest of South America, February 14th is a quite popular day to celebrate love and is known as Dia del amor y la Amistad or Amigo secreto.