Celebrating El Dia del Amor y la Amistad with Colombian Women

What's the fuss about El Dia del Amor y la Amistad? What is it? This is the day Colombians celebrate their Valentine’s Day. We all know that Valentine’s Day or the feast of San Valentin is celebrated annually on February 14.

Its history dates back to the 3rd century A.D. in the Imperio Romano or the Roman Empire, where Emperador Claudio II executed two men -- both men named Valentine -- on February 14 of different years as far as legend goes. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

What’s more interesting is the way Colombians celebrate Valentine’s day. Instead of celebrating in the month of February (14 de Febrero), Colombians will celebrate their Dia del Amor y la Amistad Septiembre. Yes, weird isn’t it?

Every country has their own culture and tradition which differs from another country, and no exemptions for the way they celebrar el amor or celebrate love.

Dia del Amor y la Amistad is celebrated on the third Saturday of September and it’s a tradition in which friends, colleagues, couples, and acquaintances express their gratitude, love, and affection.

Some of you may be wondering; Why celebrate El Dia del Amor y la Amistad on the third day of September? Most notably, Colombia changed the date in 1969. Reportedly, merchants in Colombia wanted to change the date so that merchants could sell more roses and chocolates in September, which is a month that has no holidays in Colombia.

What To Do/Buy For Dia del Amor y la Amistad

The streets are going to be bustling with people and loud music. You will see happy people dancing and having the time of their life. Reds everywhere you look. From singles to couples, the young and the aged, and foreigners to local people celebrating this special day without any worries.

On this day, your female friends are expected to be given candies and chocolates and flowers for your special lady friend. There are a lot of discounted prices for candies and chocolates and affordable flowers around you. Dinner and dancing is also a big hit during this day.

If you are going to invite your special lady to a restaurant, make sure to make a reservation first. The day is going to be packed, especially with good restaurants around the city. Have a plan! Don’t just wing it. Most women like it when a man has a plan. It shows you really thought about the day and that they are special.

Romantic Places To Visit

There are also romantic places where you can spend quality time with your lady like:

• Villa de Leyva - a place designed for lovers. A totally charming village in Colombia with a relaxed atmosphere, boutique hotels, and small restaurants.
• Mucura Island - a place where you surround each other with natural charm and make you feel high in paradise.
• Salento - this place is an ideal destination if you want to live in a different way. Aside from the warmth and joy of the people who are reflected in the painted houses with hundreds of colors, you will also witness the beauty hidden landscapes called by UNESCO as one of the most intangible heritages of humanity in Colombia.
• Mompox - this magical little village where it seems that time has stopped. It gives a special charm for its colonial architecture and its streets full of romance.
• Guatape - this place is probably, out of all the attractions, where you can glimpse the most beautiful picturesque it has to offer.

Get Ready To Play Secret Friend

One of the main traditions on this day is to play “amigo secreto” which means secret friend. This game has the same dynamics as the well-known Secret Santa game played in many countries around Christmas.

Just like Christmas season, be prepared to exchange gifts with the people around you, or give your present to whose name you got and then wait for yours.

Oops… wait… There’s a twist! Once you open the gift in front of everybody, another person has the opportunity to steal your present, leaving you with the awkward question of “should I steal somebody else’s present or should I pick another one from the pile?”

Confusing, right? This tradition is called “Regalo Robado”, which means stolen gift and it’s a variation of the traditional gift exchange. It might seem unfair, but it’s way more fun to play. Amazing isn’t it? If you can’t beat them, you join them. Plan your strategy and walk away with the best gift of the day!

What To Expect

Expect to eat a lot of sweets and go out a lot. This is also the perfect excuse to have fun with Colombian women, to get to know them and at the same time, enjoy the festivities. If given the chance, you might be safe to plan a romantic getaway, or any romantic activities with these beautiful women.

Expect to get creative with the gift purchase with the budget given, but don’t worry about sticking to it precisely. People in Colo mbia are very generous, and if you go over the budget, your secret friend will love that. Experience the festivities up close to know what the fuss really is all about during Feliz Dia del Amor y la Amistad Colombia. Sign up now and experience El Dia del Amor y la Amistad for yourself.