It is now officially February, and to most people when they hear February they think about Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a day to express love and affection to those close to us. The day is observed globally and each country has its own unique way of celebrating it. This year, I conducted a study comparing the celebrations of Valentine’s Day in the United States and Mexico, two of the largest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

In the United States, Valentine’s Day is observed as a day of romantic gestures, such as exchanging gifts and cards with loved ones, going out on special dates, or simply expressing love through sweet words and gestures. Gifting is a big part of the celebration in the U.S., with chocolates, flowers, and jewelry being popular items given as gifts. Many couples go out for a special dinner, and it is not uncommon for people to make reservations at their favorite restaurants weeks in advance.

In contrast, Mexico celebrates Valentine’s Day in a more traditional manner, with the emphasis being placed on the celebration of love in all its forms. While couples do exchange gifts and spend time together, families also come together to celebrate their love for each other. The tradition of “El Día de los Enamorados” or “The Day of the Lovers” is a time for friends and families to exchange gifts and enjoy each other’s company. Flowers and candies are popular gifts, and many families gather for a special meal to celebrate the occasion.

In addition to these celebrations, both countries have their own unique traditions. In the United States, it is common to send anonymous Valentines to friends, while in Mexico, it is customary to write love letters and poems to one’s sweetheart. In both countries, the giving of red roses is a symbol of love and is widely practiced.

Fellow student Acxel Vargas (12) states, “This Valentines Day, I am planning on taking my girlfriend out to eat some traditional Mexican dishes as a celebration, as well as buying her a bouquet of roses.”

While the United States and Mexico both celebrate Valentine’s Day with love and affection, each country has its own unique traditions and ways of observing the occasion. Whether it’s exchanging gifts and going out on romantic dates in the US or gathering with loved ones and exchanging traditional gifts in Mexico, both countries share the same goal of expressing love and appreciation to those closest to them.