When is Valentine's Day in Portugal? Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide on 14th February, and Portugal is no exception. Known locally as Dia de São Valentim or Dia dos Namorados, this day of love combines centuries of history with modern romantic traditions. While today Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, chocolates, and gifts, its origins are rooted in fascinating legends and historical events.
In 2026, couples across Portugal will once again mark the occasion with flowers, romantic dinners, and centuries-old customs.
- The origins of Valentine’s Day
- The legend of forbidden weddings
- Valentine, the patron of lovers
- The Lupercalia festival connection
- How Portugal celebrates Valentine’s Day: traditions and customs
- Valentine’s Day around the world
- Interesting Valentine’s day facts
- How to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Portuguese
The origins of Valentine’s Day
The exact origins of Valentine’s Day are debated, but most stories revolve around Saint Valentine, a symbol of love, health, and kindness. Believed to have been born in Umbria, Italy around 174 B.C., Saint Valentine is often depicted with symbols like a palm leaf and a sword, representing fidelity and union.
Despite the Catholic Church formally removing him from the calendar in 1969, Valentine’s Day remains one of the most romantic celebrations worldwide, including in Portugal.
The legend of forbidden weddings
One famous legend involves Bishop Valentine during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. The emperor banned marriages so men could focus on military service, believing that unmarried men were better soldiers. Bishop Valentine defied the law, secretly marrying couples in love. He was eventually imprisoned and executed on 14th February 268, becoming a symbol of true love and devotion.
Valentine, the patron of lovers
Another story suggests that Valentine officiated the first marriage between a Christian woman and a pagan soldier. The couple later died together, and Valentine became the patron saint of lovers, inspiring centuries of romantic traditions.
The Lupercalia festival connection
Some historians link Valentine’s Day to the ancient Roman Lupercalia festival, celebrated on 15th February. This pagan festival was associated with fertility, coming-of-age, and courtship rituals. Over time, the Church adapted Lupercalia into a Christian celebration of love, shaping the Valentine’s Day traditions we know today.
How Portugal celebrates Valentine’s Day: traditions and customs
Portugal has unique Valentine’s Day traditions that make the holiday distinct:
- Cantarinha dos Namorados (Guimarães): Men proposing marriage traditionally gave a clay jug, the “cantarinha,” to their future bride. If accepted, it held gifts from the bride and groom’s families, including gold jewellery.
- Lenço dos Namorados (Braga): Women embroidered handkerchiefs with intricate designs to attract suitors. Accepted scarves were worn on coats, hats, or around the neck, symbolising courtship and romantic interest. These handkerchiefs remain popular gifts on Valentine’s Day.
- Romantic Dinners: Dining out in restaurants with Valentine’s Day menus and romantic atmospheres is a favourite way for couples to celebrate in Portugal.
Valentine’s Day around the world
- Brazil: Celebrated on 12th June, the day before Saint Anthony’s Day, honouring the saint associated with marriage.
- Germany: Pigs are traditional Valentine’s gifts, symbolising luck, prosperity, and desire.
- China: Celebrated on 14th February and also on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The day commemorates the legendary love story of Zhi Nu and Niu Lang, separated by the Sky Goddess but allowed to meet once a year.
- Italy: Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, receives millions of letters every year addressed to Juliet for love advice.
- United States: More than 50 million roses are sold, teachers are the biggest receivers of Valentine’s Day cards, and some women even buy flowers for themselves.
Interesting Valentine’s day facts
- The first Valentine’s Day chocolate box was created by Richard Cadbury in 1800.
- The number of births on 14th February has increased in recent decades due to scheduled C-sections.
- Worldwide, over 220,000 marriage proposals happen each Valentine’s Day.
- The Taj Mahal in India, built in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, remains the world’s most spectacular symbol of love.
- In medieval Europe, 14th February was associated with bird mating rituals and letters exchanged between lovers.
How to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Portuguese
To celebrate Valentine’s Day in true Portuguese style, say:
“Feliz Dia de São Valentim” or “Feliz Dia dos Namorados”.
Whether you’re giving gifts, dining out, or keeping centuries-old traditions alive, Portugal offers a rich and romantic Valentine’s Day experience for 2026.