Brazilian Valentine’s Day is a variant of Valentine’s Day celebrated in Brazil on June 12 each year. Locally, the holiday is known as “Dia dos Namorados,” which means Boyfriends’/Girlfriends’ Day in Portuguese. Although the day is essentially identical to Valentine’s Day on February 14, it is difficult to observe Saint Valentine in February due to The Carnaval, one of Brazil’s largest outdoor celebrations. Therefore, Brazilians observe their version of Valentine’s Day on June 12, a date chosen due to its proximity to another day of love, Saint Anthony’s Day. Check out these 50 incredible date ideas for Valentine’s Day.
HISTORY OF BRAZILIAN VALENTINE’S DAY
Although the celebrations of ‘Dia dos Namorados’ have become intertwined with those of Saint Anthony’s Day, the origin of the holiday is quite intriguing. In 1948, a publicist named Joo Doria, who was attempting to increase sales for a clothing store, was the inspiration behind the establishment of a special Valentine’s Day in Brazil.
Doria was inspired by the Brazilian Mother’s Day celebrations to establish a special day for lovers to exchange gifts and acts of love. The selected date was — you guessed it — June 12, and the holiday was named “Day of Lovers.”
Over time, the essence of the Brazilian Valentine’s Day festivities began to merge with the religious observances of Saint Anthony’s Day, which is commemorated on June 13.
Saint Anthony, affectionately known locally as Saint Anthony of Padua, is a very significant historical figure in Brazil. His ability to assist people find suitable partners earned him the moniker “The Matchmaker Saint.”
Doria’s plan to establish a new holiday to increase sales was not only successful, but it also resulted in the creation of a holiday that has become an integral part of Brazilian relationships.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BRAZIL
It is the fifth-largest country in the world.
Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the globe by land area and the sixth-largest by population.
They have won the most World Cups.
Football is the most prominent sport in Brazil, and the national men’s team has won the FIFA World Cup a record five times.
It is the largest country in South America.
Brazil, which occupies half of South America’s landmass, is the continent’s colossus.
It accommodates the largest funfair in the world.
Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil, stages the world’s largest carnival in the first week of March, with a record six million participants.
Holds the distinction for the largest bank robbery in history
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a group of up to 10 individuals committed one of the world’s largest bank robberies, totaling nearly $23.7 million.
BRAZILIAN VALENTINE’S DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 12 | Monday |
| 2024 | June 12 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 12 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 12 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 12 | Saturday |
