Saint Valentine’s Day Traditions in Italy
Celebrate love in Italy and grab a romantic traditional recipe!
Saint Valentine’s Day, we wanted to take a moment to share a little bit of Italy’s heartwarming traditions and offer you some inspiration for your dream wedding here in the country that celebrates love like no other.
The Story of Saint Valentine
Whatever you feel about Saint Valentine’s Day today, the story is interesting and particularly Italian. Most historians agree that he was a Christian priest or bishop who lived during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. His exact identity and the details of his life are unclear, as there are multiple saints named Valentine, and records from that era are scarce.
The most common story is that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who, according to legend, banned marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine defied the emperor by secretly performing marriage ceremonies for young couples. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. He was executed on February 14, around the year 269 AD. Over time, Valentine became associated with love and affection, likely due to his role in performing marriages. His feast day, February 14, eventually became linked to romantic love, particularly during the Middle Ages in Europe, when the tradition of courtly love blossomed.
Traditions however contnue, and if you’re dreaming of a small intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration with your closest loved ones, Italy has so many beautiful places to tie the knot on February 14th. Let’s take a journey through Italy’s Valentine’s Day traditions, where you can exchange vows, and even a special recipe that will bring a taste of Italy to your celebration.
Saint Valentine’s Day Traditions in Italy
In Italy, “San Valentino” is celebrated not just as a day for couples, but as a celebration of romantic love, deep friendship, and affection. While the modern celebrations focus on love between couples, you’ll find that Italians also take this time to appreciate friends and family, showering them with tokens of appreciation.
Here are a few lovely traditions that you might want to incorporate into your wedding day:
Baci Perugina (Perugian Kisses): These iconic hazelnut chocolates are exchanged between lovers & friends and symbolize the sweet kiss that binds hearts together. They’re a perfect wedding favor and a delicious treat to share with your guests. They have the sweetest messages and quotes inside.
Love Locks: Inspired by the tradition seen in places like Paris, couples in Italy sometimes attach a “love lock” to bridges or gates, sealing their promises of eternal love. You can add this to your Italian wedding as a symbolic gesture. It is forbidden in many places now, but you could find a way of having a portable ‘gate’ on your wedding day.
Handwritten Love Letters: On Valentine’s Day, it’s common for couples to exchange heartfelt handwritten letters. Imagine exchanging your vows along with a personal love letter – something for you both to keep and treasure forever.
Dinner & Serenades: A Valentine’s evening typically ends with an intimate dinner and, in some areas, a serenade by musicians. Why not include a local musician to serenade you during your reception?
Perfect Locations for a Valentine’s Day Wedding in Italy
Italy is nothing short of a fairytale, and February 14th is the perfect day to marry your soulmate here. Let me share some of the most enchanting places to say “I do” on Valentine’s Day:
Venice: The city of canals, gondolas, and romance. Imagine exchanging vows on a gondola, with the soft glow of Venetian lanterns reflecting on the water. You could also opt for a ceremony in one of the beautiful palaces, like the Palazzo Cavalli, where you can have a grand, romantic celebration.
Tuscany: Picture yourself exchanging vows in a beautiful vineyard under the Tuscan sun. A cozy, intimate wedding in the rolling hills of “Chianti”, surrounded by olive groves, offers an unforgettable experience. Venues like Castello di Vicchiomaggio or Villa Le Fontanelle are ideal choices for a Valentine’s Day wedding.
Verona: The beautiful city of Verona, famous for the story of Romeo and Juliet and where many visit the house of Juliet and touch the famous statue. Verona, with its gorgeous coloseum, wonderful architecture and views over the river.
Florence: The heart of the Renaissance, Florence is the city of art, culture, and passion. You can marry in front of the iconic Duomo or at Palazzo Vecchio, where your wedding photos will be filled with artful architecture and history.
The Dolomites: Following on from one or two of our fabulous elopements and weddings, including one that took place on the 14th February at the top of the mountains of Cinque Torre near Cortina. If you love the grandeur of the mountains there is nothing more romantic than celebrating an intimate gathering in the Dolomites.
A Classic Italian Recipe for Your Valentine’s Celebration
To make your Valentine’s Day celebration even more special, here’s a delicious Italian recipe that embodies the spirit of romance: “Tiramisu”. This classic dessert is the perfect way to romance your loved one. This recipe has kindly been shared by Rosario, a top Italian chef Rosario Russo.
Crispy Tiarmisu by Rosario (8 servings)
- 250 g mascarpone
- 125 g sugar
- 5 very fresh egg yolks
- 190 6 semi-whipped cream
- 50 g Dark chocolate drops
- Savoiardi sponge fingers – 1 packet
- Bitter cocoa
- Important! Moka coffee 300 g (good quality coffee) sweetened to your taste
Separate the egg whites from the yolks, whip the egg yolks with electric whisk, pouring in the sugar. Once mixture is clear and foamy, add the mascarpone little by little. Once the cheese has been incorporated you will have a thick and compact cream – set to one side. Clean the whisks and then proceed to whip the cream, add to the mascarpone cream, stirring very gentle from bottom to top. Once ready, spread a generous spoonful of cream on the bottom of a baking dish 20 x 20 cm and distribute well.
Then dip the sponge fingers into the cold coffee (one side then the other). Gradually distribute the sponge fingers onto the cream, all in one direction, in order to obtain first layer. Then spread more of the mascarpone cream and keep it level. Pour on some chocolate drops, some cocoa and continue to distribute the sponge fingers soaked in coffee. Then make another layer of cream – level the surface and sprinkle with cocoa powder. Place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Your tiramisu is ready to be enjoyed!
This dessert is a true Italian indulgence, perfect on St Valentine’s day – sweet, memorable, and unforgettable. If you need a private chef in Italy then we are happy to put you in touch with chef Rosario (originally from Naples and cooking for some of the very top clients all over Europe).
A Romantic Conclusion
Whether you choose Venice’s canals, the hills of Tuscany, or the golden light of the Amalfi Coast, a Saint Valentine’s Day wedding in Italy is the ultimate way to celebrate your love. From timeless traditions to mouth-watering meals, Italy has everything you need to create a magical day you’ll both cherish forever.
Should you decide to say “I do” on February 14th, I would be honored to help you design a wedding that’s as unique and beautiful as your love story. Get in touch today, and let’s start planning the most romantic day of your life.
With love,
Jayne
P.S. Don’t forget to pack your heart – and your appetite – because a wedding in Italy is always a feast for the soul!