An Ancient Celebration of Love
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love and Italians are traditionally considered to be lovers. Known in Italy as “La Festa Degli Innamorati,” it is celebrated only between lovers and sweethearts.
Valentine’s Day actually has its origin in the Roman Empire as a holiday on February 14 to celebrate the Queen of Roman gods and goddesses. The ancient Romans also considered this queen named Juno to be the goddess Queen of Women and Marriage.
Another legend related to the origin of Valentine’s Day refers to St. Valentine who was a priest who defied the Roman emperor’s order banning marriage between lovers during wartime and Valentine secretly married them. Once this was discovered, he was put to death on February 14 and later was named a saint by Pope Gelasius.
Old and New Traditions
Valentine’s Day in Italy was historically celebrated as a spring festival. Couples will celebrate the advent of spring together by spending time outdoors, strolling in parks, sitting under trees or in beautiful gardens, and listening to music or talking.
Italian couples also follow the tradition of padlocking their love to a bridge or railing, and throwing the key away, also known as love locks.
Also popular are small, chocolate-covered hazelnut candies by Perugina, which are filled with a sweet cherry liquid center. The inside wrapper of Perguina Baci candies boast romantic poetry.
In Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, there is a four-day Valentine’s celebration, with heart lanterns lining the city and free concerts in the Piazza dei Signori. There is also a love-letter writing contest and romantic dinner specials in restaurants around town.
Love, Italian Style
Italian is a romantic language – and the originator of Romance languages! Now, if you have a sweetie who is Italian and you want to impress, here are a few ways to profess your love in Italian!
Buon San Valentino, amore mio
Happy Valentine’s Day, my love
Con te ogni giorno e San Valentino … Grazie Amore
Every day with you is St. Valentine’s Day … Thank you, Love
San Valentino e solo un nuovo pretesto per dirti quanto sempre ti amo
Valentine’s Day is only a new excuse to tell you how much I always love you
I invite all of you to celebrate this wonderful holiday with us at Zooma. Every year we have a special menu for all the lovers to enjoy with us or at home … what better way to show your love while having some amazing Italian food!
Buon San Valentino,
Dino DiFante
General Manager
Seating is limited, so call (401) 383-2002 or make a reservation online now.
