How to celebrate Valentine's Day in Spain

Valentine's Day in Spain is also usually celebrated in the same way as in the rest of the world: couples go out to dinner or take a tour of the most romantic places in the city where they live and have fun and generally enjoy some quality time with their partner.

Although Saint Valentine was actually born in Italy, the influence of Catholicism has led to the adoption of this traditional celebration in Spain. Saint Valentine is the patron saint of health, kindness, and, of course, love.

In the vast majority of cities in Spain, Valentine's Day is celebrated in more or less the same way, but you should know that some curious regional traditions have developed over the years.

Interestingly enough, Catalonia celebrates Valentine's Day on April 23rd no less. The Catalans take advantage of this special date to not only celebrate romantic love, but also a love of books.

This day is known as Sant Jordi in Barcelona. During the month of April, the streets of the city, like the rest of Spain, are filled with book fairs. And the tradition among lovers is to give each other a book with a rose inside, symbolizing romance!

So if you happen to be in Barcelona on April 23, celebrate a unique Valentine’s Day in Spain by giving a book with a rose in it to your loved one!

Another of the most unusual traditions to celebrate Valentine's day in Spain takes place in Valencia. And this actually takes place on October 9th! Valencians give each other gifts, usually marzipan wrapped in a handkerchief, on this day. But what is this special date of October 9? It is San Dionisio, and they take it very seriously in Valencia.

According to tradition, the person receiving the gift must keep the handkerchief in which the marzipan is wrapped - the cloth is proof of how long you have been with your partner. A touching reminder of enduring passion!

If you are currently looking for romance, mark November 11 on your calendar. This new and increasingly worldwide custom is gaining more and more ground in Spain and is a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way.

However, in Spain, singles also celebrate February 13, the eve of Valentine's Day. But what is celebrated on Singles' Day? The joy of being alone and, of course, loving oneself without the need for a partner.

If you are in the capital of Spain, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy Valentine’s Day and celebrate this date in the company of your loved one. In Madrid, Valentine's Day is celebrated on the generally accepted date of February 14, when couples exchange a symbolic gift such as red roses or chocolates and go to dinner or enjoy a magical night in a special city with as much to offer lovers as Madrid.

So how can you celebrate Valentine's Day in Madrid? Take note of the different plans that the Spanish capital has to offer.

An original and unforgettable way to celebrate Valentine's Day in Madrid is at the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid. It has everything you need to enjoy a magical day out with that special someone.

For example, hold on tight to each other’s hands when riding on the Zeppelin or the Tiovivo, or give your partner moral support if they feel vertigo on some of the park's most intense rides, which are located in the Maquinismo Area. Tarantula, Abismo, or La Lanzadera are perfect if you are looking to get emotionally and physically close.

And, of course, you will need a comforting hand to hold if you are brave enough to enjoy The Walking Dead Experience: terror guaranteed! While if your loved one is a cartoon geek, don't hesitate to head over to Nickelodeon Land and get some matching T-shirts at the Nickelodeon store!

Be sure not to leave the park until you’ve eaten at one of the restaurants - what could be better than celebrating your love in a place full of fun, laughter, and adrenaline?

For a more sedate plan, if you and your partner are nature lovers, then nothing beats a romantic visit to the Botanical Gardens, the Sabatini Gardens, El Retiro Park, and El Capricho, where you can see the almond trees in bloom.

Watching an idyllic sunset from the Temple of Debod or the heights of the Faro de Moncloa is also a great alternative.