Vallarta Blog

Since pre-Columbian times Mexicans regard friendship very highly, considering it a precious gift of life. Nowadays in Mexico, as in the rest of the world, we celebrate on February 14 El Día de San Valentín popularly named El Día del Amor y la Amistad- the day of love and friendship.

All over town there are balloon vendors offering their colorful  heart shaped declarations of love, for most of them  have written on them “Te Amo” -I love you- “Para mi amor”-for my love, or “Felicidades” -congratulations.  Delicious chocolates, as well as flowers, especially red roses, and greeting cards are also sold in every store.

If in Mexico, don’t even try to go to a restaurant with out a reservation made weeks before.  Couples of all ages go out for dinner on this special date.

As you can see, El Día del Amor y la Amistad is commemorated in Mexico in a way very similar to the manner in which the rest of the world celebrates, but surely, friendship and marriage had different expressions in pre-Columbian times.

Valentines Glossary of terms
Amistad: Friendship
Amiga (o): Friend
Amor: Love
Argollas Matrimoniales: Wedding rings
Anillo de compromiso: Engagement ring
Boda: Wedding
Cupido: Cupid
Enamorado (a) : In love
Luna de Miel: Honeymoon
Matrimonio: Matrimony
Novia: Girlfriend or Bride
Novio: Boyfriend or Groom
Padrino: Best man
Dia de San Valentin: Valentine’s Day

From: Inside-mexico.com