Valentine's Day in the United States: Date and Traditions
Quick answer: Valentine's Day in the United States is celebrated on February 14. Brazil celebrates Dia dos Namorados on June 12.
The U.S. holiday celebrates love and friendship with cards, flowers, chocolates, gifts and dates. Below, learn when Valentine's Day is celebrated in the United States, how the tradition developed, how it differs from Brazil and how to make a Brazilian Romeo and Juliet milkshake.
When is Valentine's Day in the United States?
Valentine's Day in the United States takes place every year on February 14. Partners, friends, relatives and classmates may all take part. In Brazil, Dia dos Namorados is celebrated on June 12.
How did Valentine's Day begin?
The exact origin of Valentine's Day is not fully documented. February 14 became associated with Christian martyrs named Valentine, but popular stories about a priest performing secret weddings or signing a letter “from your Valentine” are generally treated as legends rather than established history.
The clearer connection between the date and romantic love appeared centuries later in medieval Europe. Fourteenth-century poetry by Geoffrey Chaucer helped associate St. Valentine's Day with romance. The ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, held on February 15, is often described as a precursor, but historians dispute the idea that one holiday directly replaced the other. There is also no reliable evidence for the often-repeated story that Roman men drew women's names from a jar.
For a deeper overview that distinguishes documented history from tradition, see the editorial history from History.
How is Valentine's Day different in Brazil and the U.S.?
| Country | Date | Common name | Typical celebration |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | February 14 | Valentine's Day | Partners, friends, relatives and classmates exchange cards, candy, flowers and gifts. |
| Brazil | June 12 | Dia dos Namorados | The celebration focuses more strongly on couples, dinners and gifts. |
Valentine's Day traditions in the United States
- Cards: romantic and friendly notes are exchanged by partners, friends and classmates.
- Flowers and chocolates: roses, candy boxes and small gifts remain popular choices.
- Schools: children often exchange cards and candy with their class.
- Dates: restaurants and cafés frequently offer special menus or products.
Add a Brazilian touch to Valentine's Day
Brazilian flavors can make a U.S. celebration feel more personal. A dessert made with creamy guava paste, Brazilian chocolate or Nestlé Farinha Láctea adds a nostalgic flavor to share.
Romeo and Juliet milkshake recipe
This Brazilian-inspired recipe combines ice cream, cream cheese and guava paste. It makes about two servings; adjust the milk to reach your preferred texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla or sweet-cream ice cream;
- 1 cup cream cheese;
- 3 level tablespoons creamy guava paste (about 40 g);
- 3 tablespoons crushed cheesecake crust or Nestlé Farinha Láctea (about 25 g);
- 60 ml milk;
- Whipped cream to finish, if desired.
Directions
- Add the ice cream, cream cheese, guava paste and cheesecake crust or farinha láctea to a blender.
- Add the milk and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add a little more milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Pour into two glasses and finish with guava paste and whipped cream.
Frequently asked questions
Is Valentine's Day a U.S. federal holiday?
No. Valentine's Day is an observance, not a federal holiday in the United States.
Why is Valentine's Day on February 14?
The Christian calendar associated February 14 with St. Valentine. Its connection with romantic love became established much later, especially in medieval Europe.
Is Valentine's Day only for couples?
No. In the United States, the day commonly celebrates friendship and affection among relatives, classmates and coworkers as well as romantic partners.