Valentine’s Day in Colombia: El Dia del Amor y la Amistad

Valentine’s Day in Colombia, or as it should be known, Amor Y Amistad, is celebrated on the 3rd weekend of September and is approached with a similar fervor as the Colombians approach Halloween and Christmas, which is, to say the very least, wholeheartedly. Get ready with the wine and the flowers, and while you’re at it, why not learn some Carlos Vives songs just for extra points?

Since Aleja and I are a Franco-Colombian couple, it’s only natural that we celebrate February 14th. That’s right, two Valentine’s Days each year. How lucky are we!

Ranchería Wayuu La Guajira Desert Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast - Tom Aleja
Salina de Manaure in La Guajira - Eastern Caribbean Coast - Tom y Aleja
East Caribbean Coast - La Guajira- Macuira Mirador Tom & Aleja

For the entire weekend and the weeks before, hearts adorn the bars, restaurants, shops, and even houses you visit in honor of Amor Y Amistad.

It’s not unusual for places to hold special promotions, such as women drinking free (good for all you chicas out there), or two-for-one meals. All in all, it’s pretty difficult to escape the celebration, and just as well because the Latin Americans have done it right.

Unlike in the UK, where people have largely turned against Valentine’s Day except as an excuse to go out for a quick meal and maybe send a card, Colombians celebrate a great deal since, as those of you familiar with Spanish will be aware, Amor Y Amistad means love and friendship, meaning no lonely hearts peering through restaurant windows longingly.

Nope, instead, it’s all about toasting to your friends with a cup of aguardiente, a bottle of beer, and a nice ‘parcero’. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have had a marriage in Colombia or have a Colombian girl or boy in your arms, that’s great. But it’s not the be-all and end-all.

So maybe this Valentine’s Day, instead of coupling off, why don’t we in the UK take a heads up from those lovely Latinos and celebrate Valentine’s Day together? With everyone.

TOM’S TIP

Discover the fun New Year’s traditions and the common personality traits of Colombians. And don’t hesitate to read our Inspiration Guide for plenty of adventure ideas!

Author’s note: This article was originally published by Paul Fowler on the site www.seeColombia.travel. It has now been edited by Thomas Espeute, following the acquisition of SeeColombia.travel by Tomplanmytrip.