Updated in February, 2025 to provide the latest insights on Valentine's Day in Italy.

Valentine's Day in Italy: Who Was Saint Valentine?

Saint Valentine—the man, the myth, the very confusing legend. Officially, he was a Christian bishop from Terni, a town in central Italy, who lived nearly 1,800 years ago. He moved to Rome and, despite the ongoing persecutions, kept practicing his faith—going as far as secretly marrying Christian couples in defiance of an imperial ban. And well... he got beheaded for it on February 14, 273. Romantic, right?

Apparently, it’s a lot more complicated than that. There are many versions of his story. Let’s not forget that Valentine was a very common name in ancient Rome, which is why dozens of saints from that era share the same name.

Interestingly, his connection to love didn’t emerge until the Middle Ages, thanks to English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who described birds choosing their mates on Saint Valentine’s Day. This association helped shape the emerging ideals of courtly love, inspiring nobles by the 1400s to write romantic poems known as "valentines." And the rest is history.

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From Wild Roman Parties to (Supposedly) Christian Traditions

It’s often believed that Valentine’s Day was created to replace Lupercalia, the ancient Roman festival dedicated to pagan fertility rites. In 496 AD, the Christian Church is said to have replaced this pagan festival with a religious one to make the shift from paganism to Christianity smoother.

During Lupercalia, nearly naked young men would run through the streets, whipping people with strips of goat hide. Strange? Maybe. But it was believed this ritual would boost fertility and make childbirth easier.

As with many historical theories, opinions are divided. Some argue that the Church deliberately replaced Lupercalia, while others see this as a fascinating—but not particularly well-founded—idea.

What backs up the skepticism? Well, the fact that until Chaucer came along, there’s no evidence of any romantic traditions tied to February 14.

How Do Italians REALLY Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Italy?

No matter its true origins, Valentine’s Day is now one of the most popular celebrations in the world. In Italy, everyone celebrates it in their own way—some love it, some hate it, and some just ignore it altogether.

Couples

• The classic couples will go out for a romantic dinner, exchange flowers and chocolates, or plan a getaway—maybe a spa weekend, a trip to the countryside, or a cozy stay in a charming town. It’s the perfect excuse to do something special and show a little extra love.
• Others skip the celebrations entirely, seeing Valentine’s Day as just another day—or worse, an over-commercialized holiday.

Singles

• Some couldn’t care less about being single on Valentine’s Day.
• Others might feel a little down, curling up on the couch with Bridget Jones’s Diary and a tub of ice cream.
• Then there are those who take the opportunity to have fun—grabbing drinks with friends, dancing the night away, or just treating themselves.

Families

• Many cities host small festivals or fairs with romantic or chocolate-themed events. For families, it’s a great excuse to stroll through town, enjoy the festivities, and spend some quality time together—kids and adults alike.

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How Saint Valentine’s Hometown Celebrates the Big Day

You might think that in Terni, the birthplace of Saint Valentine, the celebrations are over-the-top, with extravagant decorations and grand events. Well… yes and no.

Terni is in the “green heart” of Italy, the Umbria region. Until the last century, it was a town of farmers and factory workers—simple people used to a frugal life. And honestly, I like to think we’re still like that today. Yes, we, because I was born here too!

We’re not hopeless romantics, and instead of flashy displays or over-the-top celebrations, we stick to a few simple but cherished traditions that return every year.

The Fair

• This is the main event of Valentine’s week. A big open-air market takes over the city park, filled with food stalls, kids’ games, home goods, and all sorts of knickknacks.
  
  
• The real star? La ciambella grassa. Literally, "fatty ring bread". And yes, the name says it all—this hearty donut is stuffed with the richest ingredients you can imagine: lard, pecorino cheese, and guanciale. You have to grab at least one before leaving!

The Lights

• Being good Umbrians, we like to keep things practical. Instead of putting up new decorations, we simply leave our Christmas lights up and add a glowing red heart when February rolls around. Minimal effort, maximum effect.

The Mass & Saint’s Relics

• Every February 14th, a special mass is held in honor of Saint Valentine. His remains are kept in Terni’s Basilica di San Valentino, and on this day, they are carried in a small pilgrimage to the city’s main cathedral.
  
  
• Fun fact about the relics: Since Saint Valentine was beheaded, his body rests in Terni, but his skull? That’s in Rome, inside the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin—the same place that houses the Bocca della Verità. Other cities in Italy also claim to have pieces of his relics, so the mystery lives on.

Baci Perugina: The Best Chocolates for Valentine’s Day in Italy

There are few certainties in life: you're born, you live, you die... and you give Baci Perugina chocolates on Valentine’s Day.

These famous little treats—literally called “kisses”—get their name from Perugina, the chocolate brand that created them in Perugia, a city about an hour away from Saint Valentine’s birthplace. You really can’t go wrong with them: a chocolate praline filled with smooth gianduia, crunchy hazelnut pieces, and topped with a whole hazelnut.

But the best part? Inside each wrapper, there’s a tiny slip of paper with a romantic quote— sort of a love fortune cookie.

You’ll find Baci all year round in Italy, sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and even near the register in bars and tobacco shops. But when Valentine’s Day rolls around, they take over. Limited editions and special flavors pop up everywhere, making them the go-to chocolate for the season.

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Romantic Traditions on Valentine’s Day in Italy

Love Locks

Almost everyone, at some point, has locked a padlock onto a fence, a bridge, or a gate with their teenage sweetheart. It’s a tradition that’s a little cringe-worthy—one of those things you eventually outgrow (hopefully by age 16).

In Italy, some spots have become famous for being covered in these so-called love locks, left behind by couples who believed they’d last longer than the lock itself. Should we roll our eyes or just let them have their moment?

Letters to Juliet

In Verona, the city where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet takes place, you can send a letter to Juliet spilling your heart out about your latest love drama.

A volunteer from the Juliet Club will actually write back. Eventually. This quirky tradition gained even more attention after Letters to Juliet hit the big screen.

How do Italians Say “I Love You”?

Did you know that Italian is renowned as one of the most romantic-sounding languages? And with its breathtaking landscapes, Italy is the perfect romantic destination.

The brilliant blue of the Amalfi Coast.
The gentle hills and cypress trees of Tuscany.
The romantic elegance of Verona and Venice.

And in one of the world's most romantic countries, how do you say "I love you"?

We actually two different ways to say “I love you”, and choosing the wrong one can lead to some awkward moments.

• Ti amo – This one is for your romantic partner, the person who makes your heart skip a beat. It carries deep, passionate meaning.
• Ti voglio bene– Use this for everyone else: family, friends, neighbors, distant relatives… basically, anyone you care about but aren’t in love with.

Both translate to English as "I love you," but they carry very different meanings.

But this little distinction helps avoid embarrassing situations. Well, once you know the difference. Actress Jessica Chastain, in an attempt to impress her mother-in-law, accidentally told her Ti amo instead of Ti voglio bene (see minute 1:15). Oops!

Saint Valentine’s Day in Italy vs. America: What’s Different?

The Name: In the U.S. (and pretty much everywhere else), it’s Valentine’s Day, but in Italy, we always keep Saint in Saint Valentine’s Day.

No Heartfelt Cards: While in English-speaking countries, exchanging elaborate heart-shaped cards is common, Italians don’t really have this tradition. Sure, the most romantic among us might use cards, but it’s not something we typically exchange.

No “Be My Valentine”: We don’t call our partner my Valentine, and you won’t hear anyone in Italy saying Be my Valentine—it’s just not a thing.

Who Celebrates? In the U.S., Valentine’s Day is basically a free-for-all—couples, friends, family, and even coworkers exchange cards and gifts. In Italy? Not so much. Here, it’s strictly for lovers—no Valentine’s gifts for your bestie or colleagues. Of course, you can celebrate however you like, but trust me, on the night of February 14, you’ll want to steer clear of restaurants unless you enjoy being surrounded by candlelit tables for two.

Conclusions on Valentine's Day In Italy

Although the true story of Saint Valentine is still shrouded in mystery, the tradition is now deeply rooted worldwide—especially in Italy, his homeland. Valentine’s Day is a celebration for lovers, and most Italians spend it with their partner—although some choose to celebrate with friends, family… or by going into full-on hibernation until the heart-shaped chaos dies down.

The most common gestures? The timeless classics: chocolates, flowers, a romantic dinner, or a stroll through one of the many Valentine’s markets. And the most-heard phrase of the day?

Obviously, Ti amo!