Valentine's Day in Italy, known as La Festa di San Valentino, is a holiday steeped in both deep historic roots and charming modern traditions. While it is celebrated globally as a day of romance, Italy holds a special claim to the holiday, as Saint Valentine himself was a Roman martyr. If you are planning to spend 14 February in Italy here is a quick guide to the history, local customs and the best ways to celebrate the romantic day.
The origins of Valentine's Day in Italy are a blend of ancient pagan rituals related to Lupercalia and early Christian history. Lupercalia was an ancient Roman festival held annually on 15 February. Its origins are obscure, although the likely derivation of its name from lupus (Latin for “wolf”) suggests links with an ancient deity who protected herds from wolves and with the legendary she-wolf who nursed Romulus and Remus.
