Traditions for Lovers in Spain Throughout the Year

On February 14th, Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide, but, it isn't the only day of the year when you can show your partner how you feel. Throughout the year, there are several traditions and customs for lovers in Spain that also have their own special day and moment. These are some of the most well-known.

The Flowers of Sant Jordi

April 23rd marks the feast day of the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi (Saint George), a tradition rooted in a historical custom for couples. On this day, people give their partners (as well as loved ones and family members) a rose and/or a book. The popularity of this tradition means that on this morning, the streets—especially the Ramblas area—fill with flower stalls and bookstores to encourage purchases among the many people out celebrating.

The Valencian “Mocadorà”

On October 9th, coinciding with the Day of the Valencian Community, the custom of the “Mocadorà” is celebrated in honor of Saint Dionysius, the patron saint of Valencian lovers. The tradition dates back to the 16th century when celebrations for James I were banned by order of Philip V of Bourbon. The local response came from the Valencian confectioners' guild, who created sweets shaped like male and female sexual organs, popularly known as the piruleta and tronador. Men would give these sweets to the women they loved. To carry and hide them, it became popular to wrap them in a handkerchief (“mocador” in Valencian), which eventually gave the tradition its name.

The Love Locks of Seville

The romantic tradition of love locks originated in Rome. According to legend, couples must engrave their names on a padlock. They then lock it to a specific spot on the Milvian Bridge and throw the key into the Tiber River to stay together forever. This romantic Italian tradition has spread to other parts of the world, and in Spain, it is represented on the Triana Bridge in Seville. Lovers then throw the key into the Guadalquivir River. The only downside to this tradition is that it can affect the structure of the bridge or the river itself. This has prompted measures from some governments, such as Italy’s, which decided to remove the locks to safeguard the integrity of the architecture.

The Love Pins

The romantic tradition of the pins is one of the most curious and attracts the most tourists. On June 13th, at the Chapel of San Antonio de la Florida (Madrid), single men and women place their hands in holy water after throwing 13 pins into it. The number of pins that stick to the palm of their hand indicates how many suitors they will have that year.

What do you think of these traditions? We hope we’ve inspired you to share a little "Spanish-style" gesture this Valentine's Day.