Every year we await the arrival of this day, the most romantic day of the year. Valentine´s Days occurs every February 14. Across the whole world, candy, flowers, cards, or gifts are exchanged between loved ones, in the name of St. Valentine.
But who is this mysterious saint called Valentine? And where did all these traditions come from? Keep reading to find out…
Let´s travel to the origins of Valentine´s Day
We must go back to Ancient Rome where around the end of the first fortnight of February Lupercalia was celebrated. It was a pastoral festival to purify the city.
On these pagan festivities, every year the Luperci were chosen among the most influent people of the society. The Luperci had to be teenagers who survived, during their initiation to adulthood, by hunting and lurking in the woods.
In a cave named Ruminal (in honour of Romulus and Remus) on mount Palatino, a macabre ritual was celebrated. In that ritual a goat was sacrificed. Later, the Luperci would go around the streets, naked, with strips made from the goat´s skin, whipping women who were willing to take part in the ritual on their hands and backs. It was a fertility and purification ritual also known as Februatio.
This ritual was not up to the standards of the Cristian values, but it was highly regarded in the society, so the Catholic church converted the ritual to Catholicism. It was the year A.D. 496 when Pope Gelasio forbid any pagan festivity or ritual, replacing the figure of Fauno Luperco for Saint Valentine.
But… Who was saint Valentine?
In the history of the Catholic church, there are a few saints named Valentine, all of them martyrs. The three Valentines who where aforementioned on the martyrology the 14th February are:
- The first and most popular, was a priest who lived in Rome and risked his life marrying couples. Marriage was forbidden by Emperor Claudius II, who preferred soldiers to be single and with no kids, as they fought better. Saint Valentine challenged the emperor marrying couples, as he found this measure deeply unfair. Saint Valentine was captured, beaten, and finally beheaded. This festivity is dedicated to this saint Valentine.
- Another saint Valentine was the bishop of Pignataro Interamna (nowadays Terni, Italy). He was famous due to his work of evangelisation, miracles, and healings. He was beheaded in the era of emperor Marcus Aurelius.
- The last saint Valentin, we don´t have much information on him, but we do know that he was tortured in Africa, amongst many of his colleagues.
Valentine´s day around the world: curiosities!
This is a celebration that takes part in many countries around the world, but some countries have their own way or days to celebrate.
· Saudi Arabia: it was forbidden, as many other occidental traditions, until 2019. The prince Mohamed bin Salmán allowed this celebration to show himself as a modern leader.
· Bolivia: it´s called “the day of love and friendship”, it occurs the 21st of September instead 14th February. Since that day in 1879 was the Antofagasta invasion, that lead to the Pacific War.
· Brazil: the name of this festivity is “Día dos Namorados” and it´s celebrated on 12th June in honour of saint Antonio de Padua instead of February (month where Carnival takes place in Brazil).
· China: they already had Qi Qiao Jie (festival celebrating the meeting of the cowherd and weaver girl in mythology). Takes place the seventh day of the seventh month regarding the lunar calendar.
· Colombia: takes place the third Saturday of September since 1969.
· Denmark: instead of gifts, lovers send cards “Gaekkebrev” with funny rhymes and under a pseudonym (changing the vocals of the name by dots), if the recipient reveals the name of the lover, gets an Easter egg and a date.
And you… How do you celebrate Valentine´s Day?
For 2022, we have prepared a very special Valentine´s Gala dinner. We have different options for you to choose your perfect Valentine´s.
To begin with, we will have an amazing menu to satisfy the most demanding palates.
SPECIAL MENU
Marinated salmon cuts and avocado
Premium aged beef carpaccio, Parmesan and pickled onion
Oxtail croquettes with apple curry
Main course choice:
Sea bass with dried tomatoes, mushrooms, stuffed potatoes, and candied asparagus
Laquered shank, sweet potato parmentier and glazed shallots
Dessert
Chocolate cake, Tonka beans ice cream and toffee praliné
Option 1. 12th February. Dinner and dance: 49€. This choice is perfect for those couples that would like to taste our Valentine´s special menu and have a good time dancing.
Option 1.a. 13th & 14th February. Dinner and 2×1 on the first long drink: 49€. Enjoy our special menu + a 2×1 on your first long drink.
Option 2. Dinner, dance, accommodation in double room with breakfast included: 100€. If you would like to rest in any of our cozy rooms and wake up on the beach front with an awesome breakfast, this is your choice.
Option 3. VIP pack Valentine´s Day: 191€. Including:
- 2 night accommodation in a room with sea views and breakfast
- Cava and Garrigós delicatessen tasting upon arrival
- Friday dinner at El jardín with the Gourmet menu
- Valentine´s Gala dinner on Saturday with our Special menu and dance
- 30 min private session on the panoramic jacuzzi
All prices are per person. VAT included. Drinks not included.
If you would like more information or book your Valentine´s, don´t hesitate to call us to +34 965728340 or send us an e-mail to info@hotelmeridional.es
