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A holiday in which most women receive flowers, chocolates, and a nice dinner. Valentine’s Day in Italy is actually a 4-day festival. Find out all about the holiday of love in Italy and plan your next romantic trip.
The Typical Valentine’s Day
A lot like in the US, Valentine’s day in Italy can be a bit commercialized. The men are expected to buy flowers, chocolates, and go out or prepare a nice dinner.
Most people in Italy don’t buy flowers from a grocery store like you can in America in a Walmart or Publix. Italians are used to paying big bucks and trusting in a florist because “it’s all about the quality!!” Florists stay pretty busy here and it’s no shock that they are usually twice as busy on Valentine’s day.
Similarly, the renowned Italian chocolate house, Perugina, who makes a special edition of the Baci chocolate candies for Valentine’s Day in Italy.
It includes a shiny red wrapper (including a love note on the inside) and a sweet cherry filling.
The Perugina house is really cool. The creator, Luisa Spagnoli was a phenomenal woman with an even better story. She partnered with Nestle who continues to support women in the workplace. It’s well worth the read.
What also makes it the perfect chocolate for Valentine’s day- baci is the word for kisses in Italian! How cute!
Anyways, on this holiday it’s all about 2 people professing their love for each other. The difference between the US and Italy is small children don’t participate in the festivities. Kids don’t go to school and pass out Valentine cards and candies. The occasion is only for lovers.
On that note, it may be a little weird that I am planning on making chocolate covered strawberries for all of my family and friends this year, but hey, I refuse to lose my American spice.
I am creating new traditions! Lucky for me, my family is very sweet and accepting!
Valentine’s Day in Italy
Valentine’s Day in Italy is known as San Valentino.
Although Italy is known for many romantic locations such as Venice, Florence, and Rome, there is a small town here that celebrates Valentine’s Day like no other.
Looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day in Italy? Pack your bags and head to Verona. Verona is the city of Romeo and Juliet, and the people go all out with a 4-day celebration called “Verona in Love.”
Verona in Love
I think the most magical part of the “Verona in Love” festival is a giant red heart in the center of Piazza dei Signori. There they offer wine, candles, plenty of chocolates, and free concerts.
To attract sweethearts to spend the weekend there, many of the local hotels offer deals and the restaurants feature menus with special prices. You can also join guided tours of the city, that of course will include the Romeo & Juliet history.
Does this festival sound right up your (starry eyed) alley? Check out the “Verona in Love” website for all the details. It is sure to be the most romantic Valentine’s day of your life!
Valentine’s Day in Italy…Verona to be exact, is a lot like New Year’s Eve in America– love style!
Check out the itinerary to be sure you don’t miss the highlight of the day, where all the couples stand in the square and share a minute-long kiss.
Then, thousands of beautiful red hearts magically rain down on everyone for a perfect last impression of the day. That would be a romantic, unforgettable memory!
Unique Valentine’s Day gifts
Bored of doing the same thing year after year for Valentine’s Day?
Go check out my article on gift ideas for Valentine’s Day (especially for travelers).
It includes some Italian specialties and some just really interesting ideas to put a spin on the special holiday of love!
Romantic Italian Phrases
If you decided to try one of the unique Italian Valentine’s gift ideas this year, set the stage by learning some romantic phrases often used on Valentine’s day in Italy.
Buon San Valentino– Happy Valentine’s day
Amore a prima vista– love at first sight
Amo te oggi e sempre– I love you today and always
Ti amo– I love you
Nearly everyone loves a different, fresh accent. At the very least, a new mysterious side to you can heat things up! Give it a whirl and comment below with how your partner responds!!
With the holiday approaching soon, I hope these ideas from Valentine’s Day in Italy, will put a twist on your holiday, offering an exceptional experience for your sweetie this year!
XOXOXO
