Valentine’s Day: An A-to-Z Guide to Celebrating

Timeless celebrations… did you know the origins of Valentine’s Day go back to the fall of the Roman Empire, when Pope Gelasius I established the feast to honor a second-century saint? It was likely an effort to Christianize the lavish Roman festival of Lupercalia, whose archaic rites marked the cycles of nature and fertility. Amid dances, masquerades, and processions, masters and slaves swapped roles, and in a playful ritual, women paraded through the streets while young men, clad only in loincloths, gently tapped them with bundles of sticks and branches. The ceremony underscored the primeval energy of fertility long tied to the god Faunus.

Putting history aside, legend has it that later Bishop Valentine helped a young woman about to marry by giving her the money she needed for her dowry. This generous act saved her from disgrace and established the saint as the official protector of lovers.

Stories like these you can choose to revive or leave be. But for those on the brink of marriage, newlyweds, or couples who’ve been together for years and still want to savor every moment, remember that rekindling your connection often takes very little.

In days past, lovers exchanged folded heart-shaped notes; today, it’s the small gestures that speak volumes. Make breakfast in bed the star of the show: heart-shaped cookies, an “I love you” piped in jam, eggs arranged with smiling faces… you’ll create an unforgettable morning.

Short on inspiration? Now’s the time to get those creative juices flowing. Craft your gift yourself—a scrapbook of your relationship or a trip you took together; an album filled with plane tickets, concert stubs, photos, and post-its… your entire shared journey in one keepsake is a treasure to present to your partner.

Those dreams tucked away… pull one out. Always wanted to take dance lessons, cooking classes, riding, or drawing? What are you waiting for? Do it now—and, needless to say, do it together.

Whether it’s a refined dinner, a theater performance, or even a night at a club, Valentine’s Day is one of the perfect moments to renew your date with love. Personalize it and avoid clichés—this occasion will become one of your most cherished memories.

Think outside the box and break free from routine. In a relationship, the secret often lies in interrupting daily monotony, which can dull the heart. How? With a quick getaway to a place you’ve never visited: perhaps a spa hotel or a charming folk village—it’s up to you. After all, you hold the reins.

And since February 14 often falls during Carnival season, why not seize the day and pretend to be someone else? Immersing yourselves in new identities, inventing a past, and imagining a fresh future together can, for the bold and carefree, heighten desire and deepen complicity.

Sometimes a simple thought is enough. When time is short and ideas run dry, don’t despair—lean on common sense. A pen and paper plus a stack of vouchers good for a picnic, a basketball game, a shopping spree, a movie… anything your partner finds irresistible, and you’re all set.

Organize a treasure hunt for Valentine’s Day. Yes, really. It’s not the gift itself but the way you deliver it that counts. Get playful: scatter clues around the house or throughout the city. Each stop holds a meaningful reference. Each clue is a token of affection. Words and actions both carry weight—everything else is just background.