Valentine’s Day

About Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in worldwide and it is extremely popular amongst couple and people who want to show affection to people that they are interested in romantically. Valentine’s Day originated in ancient Rome from Lupercalia, a festival which was held in mid-February to celebrate the arrival of spring, pairing of men and women using a lottery and fertility rites. Lupercalia was replaced with St. Valentine's Day by Pope Gelasius in the 5th century. Saint Valentine is a popular Valentine’s Day figure, who is believed to have secretly carried out weddings in in ancient Rome, after weddings were banned by Emperor Claudius II as he believed that unmarried men were better soldiers. Valentine’s Day has since evolved as a day to exchange gifts and became commercialised in the 18th and 19th centuries.

When is Valentine's Day Celebrated?

Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th of February each year in South Africa, as it is in many other countries around the world. Commonly known as the day of love, it is a day for couples to express their love and affection for one another through gifts, romantic gestures, and special outings. Some popular Valentine's Day traditions in South Africa include exchanging flowers, jewellery, chocolates, and cards, as well as going out for a romantic dinner or taking a couples' vacation.

How is Valentine's Day Celebrated?

Most couples celebrate Valentine’s Day by going out on date night or weekend getaways as well as exchanging gifts. Gift giving is customary and almost always expected during Valentine's Day and popular gifts include flower bouquet, jewellery, chocolate, and cards. And if you’re planning a spectacular marriage proposal, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to do just that. For all the single people out there, Valentine’s Day is also a perfect day to ask someone that you like out on a date, if you haven’t had the courage to do so all year. People often dress in red and white clothing to commemorate the day.

Which Stores Have Valentine's Day Sales?

Travel, gifting, wining, and dining are popular during Valentine’s Day. Gift shops are very busy during Valentine’s Day and usually have the best specials. You can visit any flower shop and jewellery shop for a great deal or shop fantastic treats and gifts on Netflorist. You can also visit Takealot, BidorBuy, CNA, PNA, Clicks, Pick n Pay, Dischem, Spar, Checkers or Shoprite for great deals on Valentine’s Day card, some chocolate, grocery essentials for cooking that special Valentine’s Day dinner for date night and of course, a fine bottle of wine to complete the perfect dining experience. Airlines, spas, and hotels also offer couples amazing deals on travel and wellness packages.