Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, widely recognized across the globe, is an Observance dedicated to expressing one's love and affection towards others. It is a significant occasion when people express their feelings by giving gifts, flowers, chocolates, and writing love notes commonly known as “valentines”. Romantic love is often the focus of the day, but it is also celebrated among family members and friends. Hallmark aspects include an exchange of Valentine's Day cards, gift giving, and special date plans.

Valentine's Day is said to originate from a Roman festival known as Lupercalia, with its modern name deriving from a Christian martyr named St. Valentine. For Canadians, Valentine's Day took on a more commercial image in the 19th Century, becoming an occasion to demonstrate love through elaborate card designs, sweet confectioneries, and generous gift giving. Canadians across the country celebrate Valentine's Day and it is recognized as an important occasion in the culture, typically taking precedence over regular daily activities.

Generally, Canadians observe Valentine's Day by following the common traditions: exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones. Retail outlets are inundated with heart-shaped chocolates, stuffed toys saying 'I Love You', and countless varieties of greeting cards. Restaurants offer special menu items and romantic dinner packages. There is no specific date for Valentine's Day in Canada, it is observed on February 14th, aligning with the international calendar.