Valentine’s Day in Brazil is Brazil’s special version of Valentine’s day that is celebrated on June 12 of every year. The holiday is known locally as ‘Dia dos Namorados,’ which means Sweetheart’s Day or Boyfriends’/Girlfriends’ Day in Portuguese. Although the essence of the day is pretty much the same as Valentine’s Day on February 14, it’s difficult to celebrate Saint Valentine in February because the date clashes with one of Brazil’s biggest outdoor festivals; The Carnaval. So instead of having to choose between love and wild partying, Brazilians celebrate their version of Valentine’s Day on June 12; a date chosen because of its proximity to another day of love — Saint Anthony’s Day. Check out these amazing 50 date ideas for this romantic day.
History of Valentine's Day in Brazil
Although the celebrations for ‘Dia dos Namorados’ have become closely intertwined with observances for Saint Anthony’s Day, the holiday has quite an interesting origin story. The creation of a special Valentine’s Day in Brazil was inspired in 1948 by a publicist called João Doria who was trying to figure out how to improve sales for a clothing store.
Doria got inspired by the Mother’s Day celebrations in Brazil and decided to create a special day for lovers to share gifts and exchange acts of love. The chosen date was — you guessed it — June 12, and the holiday was christened ‘Dia dos Namorados.’
As time went by, the essence of the Brazilian Valentine’s Day celebrations began to merge with the religious observances of Saint Anthony’s Day, which is celebrated the following day on June 13.
Saint Anthony, who is fondly referred to locally as Saint Anthony of Padua, is a very important figure in Brazilian history. He was highly regarded for his ability to help people find their alright partners, earning him the nickname; “The Matchmaker Saint.”
Doria’s idea to create a new holiday to boost sales wasn’t only a success, but it also created a holiday that has become an integral part of relationships in Brazil.
Valentine's Day in Brazil timeline
Saint Anthony of Padua dies on his way to Padua, Italy.
Anthony of Padua is canonized by the Catholic Church.
A special holiday for lovers is created to boost business sales.
Brazil’s Valentine’s Day gets first recognition on Google doodle.
Valentine's Day in Brazil FAQs
What country is Valentine's day illegal?
Valentine’s day celebration has been banned in Malaysia since 2005. Islamic authorities here issued a ‘fatwa’ (religious ruling) that prohibits the celebration of Valentine’s Day. This is because Valentine’s day is believed to be an avenue for disaster and immorality among youths.
What country celebrates Valentine's day the most?
According to data from Google Trends, Valentine’s day is not most popular in the Western world or America, but rather in Latin America, Asia, and Arab Countries.
Is Valentine's day only in the U.S.A.?
Valentine’s day is celebrated all over the world. Every culture has its unique ways with which the day is celebrated.
Valentine's Day in Brazil Activities
Treat your lover
For Valentine’s Day, in many countries, it is common to give gifts to our friends too. But on Brazilian Valentine’s Day, it is more common to share this day only with our significant others. There are many ideas of gifts that can be given on Valentine’s Day, usually ranging from loved-themed sweets, and flowers, to pieces of jewelry.
Go on a date
On Brazil’s Valentine’s Day, it is a tradition to have dinner with your partner and give gifts such as chocolate, love letters, and flowers. It’s also common to organize surprises and send lovey-dovey gifts during the day. Or if you’re more given to quiet spaces, you could have a romantic picnic on the beach or even go on that much-needed road trip.
Visit Brazil
Take a trip to Rio de Janeiro and enjoy the decorations and traditional Brazilian dishes that are served on ‘Dia dos Namorados.’ You can also attend musical concerts, stroll through the lush gardens, and create endless memories.
5 Interesting Facts About Brazil
It is the fifth-largest country
Brazil’s huge land area makes it the fifth-largest country in the world and the sixth-largest by population.
They have the most World Cup trophies
Soccer is Brazil’s most popular sport and the men’s national team has won the FIFA World Cup tournament a record five times.
It’s the biggest South American country
Occupying half of South America's landmass, Brazil is the giant of the continent.
It hosts the world’s biggest carnival
Brazil’s capital city, Rio de Janeiro hosts the world’s largest carnival annually in the first week of March and has a record number of six million participants.
Holds a world record bank heist
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a gang of up to 10 people carried out one of the largest bank robberies in the world amounting to nearly £23.7 million.
Why We Love Valentine's Day in Brazil
It’s a day dedicated to love
It’s a nice day to think about our partners, significant others, and people we love and share our life with. Although we don’t have to wait for that day to show affection to the ones we love, it is really special to do something different on this day!
It’s a great day for businesses to make sales
A major feature of Brazil’s Valentine’s Day is the continuous exchange of gifts throughout the day. And as lovers and couples scramble to outdo each other with the quality of the gifts and surprise packages, businesses and gift shops enjoy huge profits.
It helps to highlight the value of relationships
From sending thoughtful gifts to renewing love vows, Brazil’s Valentine’s Day traditions allow couples to restore the old sparks in their relationship. The mood and tone the occasion sets make it easier for couples to relax and discuss all matters of the heart. Single women seeking relationships also use this day to seek St. Anthony’s help in finding the right partner.
Valentine's Day in Brazil dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 12 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 12 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 12 | Saturday |
| 2028 | June 12 | Monday |
| 2029 | June 12 | Tuesday |
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