Every year on February 14, the whole world celebrates Valentine's Day, a day dedicated to love and romance. In Portugal, this holiday takes on a special significance, combining age-old traditions with modern elements.
Let's delve into how the Portuguese honor love on this romantic day.
The tradition of Valentine's Day in Portugal goes back several centuries, but its significant rise took place during the 20th century. As in many countries, this celebration is associated with St. Valentine, a 3rd-century Christian priest who became the patron saint of lovers.
Over time, Valentine's Day has become a special day for expressing feelings towards one's partner, while celebrating love in all its forms, whether romantic, friendly or familial.
In addition to romantic dinners, many special activities are organized for couples during Valentine's Day in Portugal.
Concerts, art events, romantic film screenings and dance parties all contribute to creating a magical atmosphere conducive to the celebration of love.
You can even book a private cruise aboard a sailboat on the Tagus to watch the sun set.
In addition to gifts, romantic gestures play an important role on Valentine's Day in Portugal. Couples express their love more expressively, whether through poems, love letters or heartfelt messages. Some even choose to seal their commitment on this special day.
In Portugal, gastronomy plays a key role in Valentine's Day celebrations. Couples often gather in elegant restaurants to share a romantic dinner by candlelight.
Special menus highlight the delights of Portuguese cuisine, such as bacalhau (cod) and delicious local pastries like pastéis de nata.
The exchange of gifts is a deeply rooted tradition on Valentine's Day in Portugal. Couples give each other symbolic gifts, such as jewelry, flowers or chocolates. Red roses remain a popular choice, symbolizing passion and deep love.
The Coração de Viana, particularly in its filigree execution, is at this moment a privileged gift.
A unique tradition associated with Valentine's Day in Portugal is the "Valentine's Day Handkerchief", also known as a request handkerchief, conversation handkerchief or love handkerchief and called Lenço dos Namorados.
Originating from Vila Verde in northern Portugal, not far from the Spanish border, this richly embroidered handkerchief in fine linen or cotton bears witness to a strong local tradition, particularly present in Viana do Castelo, Telões, Guimarães and Aboim da Nóbrega.
The origins of these handkerchiefs date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, associated with the Portuguese nobility who adorned their garments with lace and embroidered motifs. The young women of the village then adopted this tradition, making these handkerchiefs as a sign of love and commitment.
They were given to the one they loved as a token of affection and a means of protection.
The scarves, square and embroidered with symbolic motifs, were once cross-stitched, but over time other stitches were added, creating unique pieces.
These handkerchiefs were worn publicly by the man they loved, demonstrating the beginning of a relationship. Scarves were also embellished with inscriptions, names and dates, adding a personal touch to this traditional craft.
Over time, however, the spelling of scarves has evolved. Initially linked to phonetic errors, it has become deliberate in some cases, adding a nostalgic element to these handcrafted pieces.
Today, Valentine's Day handkerchiefs continue to symbolize love and commitment in Portugal, combining tradition and creativity in a fabric rich in history and emotion.
Their distinctive motifs are taken up by Portuguese craftsmen, who pay tribute to an age-old tradition.
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