Valentine’s Day Celebration in Europe

Celebrations on the Valentine’s Day date back to the time of the Roman Empire. February 14 was observed as a holiday in ancient Rome in the honor of Juno. The Romans regarded Juno as the Goddess of women and marriage. In the present times, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for mutual exchange of love notes among each other.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Europe

Valentine’s Day in Europe has indeed become a popular festival in Europe. In some European countries, celebrations on this day are marked with traditions and cultures of that country. Here below is the description about some of the Valentine’s Day Traditions in Europe.

England

In England, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in traditional manner. The common belief in Norfolk is that, a saint called Jack Valentine knocks the rear door of the house on this day. Before leaving the house, Jack Valentine leaves gifts and presents for the children. In Wales, instead of the Valentine’s Day, St Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated on 25th January.

France

The name of this festival in France is ‘Saint Valentin’. The nature of celebrations in France is almost the same as the celebrations in other western countries.

Spain

The Valentine’s Day in Spain is known as ‘San Valentin’. The celebrations in Spain are almost the same as the celebrations in the United Kingdom.

Portugal

In Portugal, the festival is popularly known as the Dia dos Namorados or Boy/Girlfriend’s Day.

Norway & Denmark

In these two countries, the festival is commonly called Valentinsdag. Couples go out for romantic dinners. Cards are also exchanged on this occasion.

Sweden

In this Scandinavian country, this festival is known as the Alla hjí¤rtans dag or All Hearts’Day. This festival is being celebrated in Sweden since 1960s and has been deeply influenced by the American culture. The day is not a national holiday in the country. From the business point of view, the Valentine’s Day in Sweden is growing in importance.

Finland

In Finland, the Valentine’s Day festival is known as the Ystavanpaiva which means ‘Friend’s Day’. As the name suggests, the festival in Finland is marked with not only remembering the beloved ones but also the friends.

Top Valentine’s Day Destinations in Europe

The Valentine’s Day in Europe is indeed a big occasion. There are a large number of exciting destinations located around the continent. Here below is a list of top Valentine’s Day destinations in Europe.

Romantic Paris, France

The capital of France, also known as the City of Light, boasts of a large number of romantic destinations in the world. Located along the River Seine, this is the ideal place to visit with your beloved on Valentine’s Day.

Valentines Day in London, England

The capital of United Kingdom has everything in it to entertain both you and your valentine. Presence of a large number of romantic destinations, historic monuments and art galleries along with exciting hotels and restaurants make London an ideal place for Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Latest Updated on 28/12/2010