I had only been in Colombia a few weeks when Valentine’s Day, 2009 arrived.
When I asked around about special events at the bars and clubs, I was informed that most Colombians don’t celebrate V-Day.
Instead, they recognize September 19th as a Day of Love and Friendship.
The rest of the world celebrates Valentine’s Day on 14 February, but Colombia has never been one to go with the flow. Rather, on the Day of Love and Friendship, citizens go a little loopy sending love letters, exchanging gifts, and indulging in a bout of ‘Amigo Secreto’ (known to the rest of the world as Secret Santa, whereby gifts are anonymously given to one’s designated person along with clues as to one’s identity).
— Colombia Reports
Read the rest of CR’s article on the Day of Love and Friendship, which includes perspectives from several Colombians, both young and old.
