Valentine’s Day In Mexico: Five Traditions That Mexicans Follow During El Día Del Amor Y La Amistad

Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the globe and typically, this is considered as a special day for lovers and romance. In Mexico, this occasion is called El Día del Amor y la Amistad and it is commemorated in a big way because for the Mexicans this is also a special day for friends.

In fact, El Día del Amor y la Amistad translates to “The Day of Love and Friendship” in English. According to Inside Mexico, this is one of the holidays that the Mexicans love and they have their own unique traditions when celebrating this day.

It is clear that in Mexico, Valentine's Day is not just for romance but it is also to show appreciation for friends. But while the Mexicans have their own way of marking Valentine’s, this is also celebrated on Feb. 14 just like in the other parts of the world. Here are the traditions that the Mexicans follow on El Día del Amor y la Amistad.

Gifting

On Valentine’s day, it is common for people to give chocolates, flowers and gifts to their partners and this is also being practiced in Mexico. But most commonly, Mexicans prefer to give heart-shaped balloons with the words “Te Amo” printed on them.

Coloring the Town Red

Mexicans usually cover shops, restaurants and almost all the public places in red accessories and decors. It is common to see banners, balloons, flowers and other things in red when they celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Poems

Since El Día del Amor y la Amistad is also for friends, children in schools hold contests for poem compositions. The kids will then attach their poems to balloons and these will be decorated in the classrooms. They also bring homemade treats to share and students exchange gifts just like on Christmas day.

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Just like any other celebration, Mexicans prepare food where couples or group of friends have their dinner together. They can also prefer to just eat in their favorite restaurants so reservations are usually high at this time.

The Mariachi Music

Finally, in the evening, it is typical for men to arrange a trio of musicians that the Mexicans called the Mariachi Music band. Outside of the woman’s home, they will stand with the man and serenade her by singing love songs to declare his love. This is a practice to win the woman’s heart on Valentine’s Day.