Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide on 14th February, and Italy is no exception. Known locally as San Valentino, this holiday is also called la festa degli innamorati — the day of lovers. With roots dating back to ancient Rome and centuries of legend, Italy has a rich and romantic history for Valentine’s Day that continues to this day.
The origins of Valentine’s Day in Italy
Valentine’s Day has deep historical and religious roots in Italy. Tradition holds that Saint Valentine was a Christian bishop who died for refusing to renounce his faith. Legend tells of Valentine falling in love with the blind daughter of his jailer. Thanks to the saint’s prayers, she regained her sight, and his last note to her was signed: “From your Valentine.”
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I officially instituted February 14th as a celebration of love, helping formalise the day into the romantic holiday we know today.
How Italians celebrate Valentine’s DayRomantic gifts and flowers
In Italy, the celebration of San Valentino blends tradition with modern commerce. While the romantic essence of the holiday has evolved into a more commercial celebration, Italians still embrace candlelit dinners, small gifts, and flowers as the ultimate symbols of love.
Florists in Italy report double the usual sales on Valentine’s Day, with red roses remaining the most popular gift. Other popular tokens of affection include chocolates, jewellery, and handwritten love notes.
Valentine’s day dining in Italy
Food plays a central role in Italian celebrations. Couples often enjoy romantic dinners at home or in restaurants, focusing on seasonal ingredients and elegant dishes.
Popular starters include:
Bruschetta with truffle or burrataOystersProsciutto e melone
Main courses often feature:
Truffle risotto (risotto al tartufo)Heart-shaped ravioliGrilled fish or beef filet with balsamic glaze
Desserts and sweets:
Torta al cioccolato (chocolate cake)TiramisùPanna cotta with raspberry sauceBaci Perugina chocolates
Couples often pair their meals with Prosecco, Chianti, or Amaretto, creating a full sensory experience that celebrates love and Italian culinary culture.
Romantic phrases in Italian
To impress your partner in Italy, use the classic romantic greeting:
“Buon San Valentino!” – Happy Valentine’s Day!
Other romantic traditions in Europe
While Italy has a distinct history and celebration style, other European countries have their own unique Valentine’s Day customs:
Spain: Similar to Italy, with love letters, flowers, and romantic dinners. In Catalonia, Valentine’s Day takes a unique twist with Sant Jordi (St. George’s Day) on April 23rd. Men give roses to women, and women give books to men. The tradition dates back to 1094 and is now celebrated as World Book Day by UNESCO.Portugal: Known for the Lenços de Namorados (Lovers’ Handkerchiefs), a tradition from the 17th century in the northern region of Minho. Young women embroidered linen handkerchiefs with romantic patterns and gave them to their loved ones. If the man reciprocated, he would publicly wear the handkerchief to signify the beginning of a relationship.
Valentine’s Day in Italy is a beautiful blend of history, romance, and culinary indulgence, with traditions that continue to inspire couples in 2026. Whether you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner, giving flowers, or simply saying “Buon San Valentino”, Italy offers one of the most charming ways to celebrate love in the world.
Dining and Cooking