What is Colombian Valentine’s Day and When is it Celebrated?
What if the holiday you thought you knew as Valentine’s Day looked completely different in another country? In Colombia, love and friendship take center stage on a unique date filled with traditions that might surprise you. The Día del Amor y la Amistad in Colombia, often called the Colombian Valentine’s Day, is more than just roses and chocolates—its timing and meaning set it apart. Curious when and how it’s celebrated? Keep reading.
TL;DR
Colombia’s Love and Friendship Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of September and goes beyond romance to include friends and family. Traditions like secret friend gift exchanges, sweet treats, and shared meals make it unique. Popular gifts include flowers, chocolates, clothes, and personalized items. Even abroad, places like Jackson Heights, NY, keep the tradition alive with authentic Colombian food and culture.
Celebrate love at a Colombian restaurant in Jackson Heights this Valentine’s Day!
How is Colombian Valentine’s Day Different from Other Celebrations?
Colombia’s Día del Amor y la Amistad has unique features that set it apart from similar celebrations like Valentine’s Day. These differences are reflected in its date, its inclusive approach, and its traditions.
Inclusive Approach
Unlike other cultures where February 14 focuses almost exclusively on couples, in Colombia the celebration is broader:
- Both romantic love and friendship are recognized.
- Couples, friends, family, and coworkers all participate.
- No one is left out of the celebration.
Unique Traditions
Colombia’s Love and Friendship Day includes special customs:
- Amigo Secreto: a secret friend gift exchange organized among friends, family, or coworkers.
- Onces: a snack or tea enjoyed before the gift exchange.
- Extended celebration: in many cases, Amigo Secreto lasts throughout the month, keeping the festive spirit alive.
By honoring both romantic love and friendship, and with traditions like Amigo Secreto, this holiday is more inclusive and participatory than Valentine’s Day. In Colombia, the focus is on celebrating bonds that unite people in every part of life.
Why Colombians Celebrate Love and Friendship in September
Colombia’s Love and Friendship Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of September, with its origin rooted not in Valentine’s traditions but in a commercial initiative established in 1969. This decision aimed to boost the economy in a month without major festivities and create a local tradition.
Reasons for the Date Change
Economic
- In February, families allocated much of their budget to the start of the school year.
- This reduced spending on gifts and celebrations related to love.
Commercial
- Moving the date to September boosted sales of products like flowers, chocolates, and romantic details.
- Merchants found in this month an ideal opportunity to encourage consumption during a slower sales period.
Local Tradition
- Choosing September avoided overlap with international Valentine’s Day.
- This gave rise to a uniquely Colombian holiday that combines love and friendship.
The decision to move the celebration turned what began as a commercial initiative into one of Colombia’s most meaningful traditions.
Colombian Traditions for Celebrating Love and Friendship
This celebration combines classic romantic elements with local traditions that highlight both love and friendship. Throughout September, gift exchanges, small details, and games strengthen bonds among loved ones.
Amigo Secreto Tradition
- Dynamic: Each participant receives the name of someone to give a gift to anonymously.
- Endulzar: In the days before the main exchange, small gifts such as sweets, notes, or flowers are given to build excitement.
- Main date: The official celebration and final gift exchange take place on the third Saturday of September.
Common Gifts
Colombians choose a wide variety of gifts to show affection:
- Flowers: Classic symbols of care, especially yellow flowers linked to friendship and abundance.
- Chocolates and sweets: Perfect for “endulzar” and expressing warmth.
- Clothing and shoes: Practical and popular gifts.
- Invitations to eat out: Dinners and outings shared with partners or friends.
- Gift cards: Flexible options when tastes are unknown.
- Stuffed animals: Cute and frequent presents during this holiday.
These traditions create moments of connection and warmth. Whether through Amigo Secreto, endulzar, or simple gestures like flowers, the holiday emphasizes that affection and friendship are treasures worth celebrating every year.
Traditional Colombian Foods for Love and Friendship Celebrations
This holiday is marked not only by gifts but also by food and shared experiences. Colombians celebrate with outings to restaurants, movie nights, or special events, always paired with thoughtfully prepared menus.
Sweets and Chocolates
- White chocolate mousse
- Vanilla parfait with fruit and chocolate
- Caramel and ginger flan
Special Meals
- Romantic or friendly dinners: dining out or ordering takeout is common.
- Homemade dishes: simple or elaborate recipes, such as chicken in sauce, are often prepared to surprise loved ones.
Other Pairings
- Cheese and wine boards: An afternoon gathering might include cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and wine pairings.
- Cocktails: Drinks such as gin with raspberries and honey, or creative twists like coffee piña colada, are popular.
Food becomes a way to show affection and creativity. Whether through a shared dessert, a special dinner, or a unique cocktail, each detail strengthens connections and turns the holiday into a memorable occasion.
Common Gifts Exchanged on Love and Friendship in Colombia
Love and Friendship Day is a chance to express care through meaningful gifts. While not the centerpiece of the holiday, gifts help strengthen bonds.
| Categories | Popular Gift |
| Chocolates and sweets | Boxes of chocolates, bonbons, or desserts |
| Experiences | Dining out, dinner invitations, or takeout |
| Fashion | Clothing and shoes |
| Beauty and care | Perfumes, cosmetics, personal care products |
| Accessories | Jewelry and costume jewelry |
| Flowers | Bouquets, especially roses |
| Gift cards | For stores or restaurants |
| Personalized items | Custom mugs, shirts, or engraved jewelry |
Each gift reflects the value of celebrating both love and friendship in all its forms.
How to Celebrate Love and Friendship in Jackson Heights, NY
Celebrating Love and Friendship Day in Jackson Heights, New York is possible thanks to places where Colombian tradition meets a warm and modern atmosphere. In this context, a Colombian restaurant such as Raíces Colombianas becomes an ideal spot to celebrate with friends, family, or a partner while honoring cultural roots.
An Experience Connected to Roots
- Authenticity: Every dish is inspired by traditional Colombian recipes made with high-quality ingredients.
- Innovation: The menu blends classic flavors with modern touches that surprise and delight.
- Cultural atmosphere: Music, décor, and hospitality evoke the spirit of Colombia, creating a welcoming environment.
Celebration Options
- Romantic dinners for couples.
- Gatherings with friends around a table of traditional dishes.
- Special events with a cultural touch.
- Takeout or online ordering for celebrating at home.
Celebrating this holiday is an experience that goes beyond food. In a Colombian restaurant, every detail becomes a bridge between tradition and modern life. Whether with a partner, friends, or family, it offers a piece of Colombia in New York, perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories.
Key Takeaways
- Date & Origin: Colombia’s Día del Amor y la Amistad (Love and Friendship Day) is celebrated on the third Saturday of September, created in 1969 as a commercial strategy to boost sales during a month without major festivities.
- Inclusivity: Unlike Valentine’s Day on February 14, this holiday celebrates both romantic love and friendship, involving couples, friends, family, and colleagues.
- Unique Traditions:
- Amigo Secreto (secret friend gift exchange).
- Endulzar (sending small anonymous sweets/gifts before the main exchange).
- Shared snacks (onces) and extended celebrations across the month.
- Common Gifts: Popular presents include flowers (especially yellow ones), chocolates, clothes, perfumes, accessories, personalized items, restaurant meals, gift cards, and even delivery food or drinks.
- Food & Drinks: Celebrations often feature special meals, both at restaurants and at home. Favorites include desserts (mousse, parfait, flan), main dishes like chicken or salmon, cheese-and-wine boards, and creative cocktails.
- Symbolism: Gifts and food are not just material but expressions of affection, connection, and appreciation across relationships.
- Cultural Reach Abroad: In places like Jackson Heights, NY, Colombian restaurants recreate the atmosphere with authentic food, music, and hospitality, offering a bridge between tradition and modernity for both Colombians abroad and newcomers to the culture.
Our location
Carlos Moreno
A month ago
My girl and I came to Raices on a Thursday night and I had such a good time. Antonia was our bartender and she was amazing! Great drinks and food! My girlfriend had a Colombian punch and I had whisky. We love this place and the service! 100% recommended.
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Attila Mocanu
A month ago
Great place for authentic Colombian food. Service is fast and portions are big. Lots of screens to watch sports.
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Ivonne Demera
A month ago
Excellent service!! I’m so pleased with the food and attentive service from Luis and Julian. I’ll definitely recommend and will keep coming back.
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