Like in many other parts of the world, 14th February is the festival of lovers and is celebrated as Valentine’s Day in the Marche region.
Day in the Marche region. But where does this sweetest of traditions come from? As the story goes, it all started with one flower, the rose, the undisputed symbol of love eternal.
The story of Saint Valentine
Throughout history, many Saints and Martyrs were named Valentine. One in particular may have been at the origin of the festivity as we know it today. The story began a long time ago, the Bishop of Terni, whose name was Valentine and who lived between the 2nd and the 3rd centuries AD, used to gift loving couples with beautiful roses. The sources are controversial on this issue – some think that the origins lay with a different Valentine, some say it was just a martyr, and some others say such a figure never did exist – but there is a strong belief that Saint Valentine was sentenced to death and beheaded by the Romans on 14 February 273 because he officiated the wedding of a young Christian girl to a pagan legionnaire, an act that was completely forbidden at that time.
Poetry, tragedy and eternal love, these are the cornerstones that lead us to the lovers’ festival that we celebrate today. Despite this, more reliable sources explain that probably the origins of this festival are less of a fairytale, because it was established by Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century with the purpose of transforming a pagan festival featuring wild celebrations in honour of Lupercus, god of fertility, into a Christian festivity.
How Marche celebrates Valentine’s Day
Book cover “Federico Seneca (1891-1976) Segno e forma nella pubblicità”,
a cura di Nicoletta Ossanna Cavadini, Dario Cimorelli, Marta Mazza, Luigi Sansone. Silvana Editoriale
Now Valentine’s Day has a tender meaning when compared to the vicissitudes and tragedies of the past, it’s centred on romantic gestures and sweetness: a day dedicated to celebrating love. Balloons, song dedications, chocolate bonbons, and roses, are all symbols reminiscent of 14th February. What is special on this day in the beautiful Marche? Usually, numerous charming towns organize parties and events, but unfortunately that is not possible this year, due to the peculiar situation. Don’t worry though, Marche offers stunning landscapes, amazing natural areas and towns, where you can get lost with your partner, be it for a picnic in the open air on the green hills, or hiking on Mount Nerone, or for a romantic stroll in the inlets close to Sirolo, then ending the day with a visit to one of our magical villages.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Marche is always a marvellous discovery to enjoy with your beloved!