As with many holidays, Mexicans love celebrating Valentine’s Day, or Día de San Valentín, and consider this day a special occasion to celebrate with their loved ones. Although a more commercially focused celebration compared to Christmas or Day of the Death that is more centered around religion, family, and cultural beliefs, Valentine’s Day is still an opportunity to get together for many people in Mexico.
The same as in the United States, people in Mexico celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. It is also traditional to decorate spaces with hearts, in pink, white, and red, and soak into this day’s celebration. However, one main difference is that in Mexico (as in many other Spanish-speaking countries) Día de San Valentín is also known as Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of the love and friendship) which means that people celebrate and show their appreciation for all relationships, both romantic and non-romantic, including the important role friendships have on their lives.
How do people celebrate this day in Mexico?
Although it does place emphasis on their romantic partner, Mexicans also take this day as an opportunity to show their love for their friends. The same as in the US, people take their partners out to celebrate on a special dinner and gift them with a significant detail, such as stuffed animals, chocolates, flowers, and balloons. However, these gestures of appreciation are also made towards friends, who receive a smaller gesture such as a lollipop or a card. The appreciation to friendship is so common in Mexico that people usually decorate school and office desks, and other shared spaces for their friends. Also, in a similar way as “galentines”, where lady friends celebrate each other more than any other day, in Mexico Día del Amor y la Amistad getting together and showing love for non-romantic relationships is also a common practice where all friends, not only gals, celebrate each other get their recognition.
So, even though friends are not invited to romantic celebratory dinners between partners, this day also serves as a recognition for those that we love in different ways. It might be one reason why Mexicans do not feel “pressure” or “stress” over this holiday, because not having a romantic partner on this day does not translate into a lack of celebration and, on the contrary, friends will come to save the day!
Having said this, there is nothing more we love than being able to celebrate our friendships as well as our romantic partners. However, this year, as the numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to increase dramatically around the world, getting together with friends seems to be more and more difficult as we want to avoid the risk of exposing our (and other’s) health. That is why we would like to share some ideas that the Lolo family has on how to celebrate Día del Amor y la Amistad.
(1) Share a conference call or video meeting.
We know this is a practice that started strong when the pandemic first arrived. However, we have noticed that between work and places reopening with social distance, there has been a decay on these meetings. We suggest taking the opportunity that this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so there is no excuse not to take some time out of our once-again-busy schedule and get together with your friends to have an update. You can play games online creating private parties such as bingo, skribbl, or any other favorite you have. There are also a ton of apps you can download (such as psych, draw something, or words with friends). Or, if you already have lots to catch on and do not need any games, you can also choose an appetizer or adult drink for all and share digitally. That way you will all have a way to celebrate this day "together" and sharing the same meal, while staying safe at home.
(2) Enjoy a social distancing get-together.
The weather is getting nicer in some parts of the country which means there is an opportunity for outdoor celebrations. Pick a park or fairly large garden or terrace and set up individual spaces for everyone to have. You can even set up individual tables or picnic blankets for each friend and prepare ahead of time an individual meal for everyone. The same applies for the above idea, where you can use games (there are tons of games that do not require physical closeness such as charades) to have a fun time together. This way, you all get to enjoy each other’s company while also keeping a safe distance!
(3) Send all of your friends a little something to let them know you are thinking of them.
Taking advantage of online ordering and how much it has grown during the pandemic, you can send your friends all sorts of special treats. Ranging from food from their favorite restaurant, to cookies, candy, and flowers. You can also choose matching pieces of clothing for all to wear that day (of course, may we suggest you check out our sterling silver from Taxco? We can make our best efforts to match them all in color and design! Or you can always let them decide and pick a gift card), especially considering that there is still time to order them and receive before February 14th!
There is a myriad of possibilities to explore here, especially using online games, shared meals to try together, or a selection of gifts for all of your loved ones! Tell us, is celebrating Día del Amor y la Amistad something that you will try this year? Or, do you prefer a more traditional romantic Valentine's Day? Do you have any other suggestions on how to celebrate? We like celebrating all kinds of love, which is why we would love to hear your opinion!
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Don't forget to check out some of our ideas for gift giving! Here are some suggestions, but remember that we have a more extensive variation and will continue to add more products throughout the week!:
Small details that mean a lot:
For the best, unconditional friend:
Let Them Decide!!!:
We also offer gift cards that you can send electronically, the recipient will receive an email that contains a unique gift card code that they can use at checkout to redeem its value!
