Brazil's Dia dos Namorados falls on the eve of which saint's day?

Brazil’s Dia dos Namorados falls on the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day. Celebrated on June 12, the Brazilian “Lovers’ Day” honors Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day is June 13.

Saint Anthony became associated in Brazil with love, matchmaking, marriage, and household happiness. Couples commonly exchange gifts, cards, flowers, and romantic gestures, much as couples do on Valentine’s Day elsewhere.

Brazil uses June rather than February partly because February’s Carnival season can overlap with Valentine’s Day. The date also connects the celebration to a popular Catholic saint traditionally regarded as a patron of marriage and those seeking a spouse.

A common mix-up is to assume Brazil simply celebrates Valentine’s Day on a different date. Dia dos Namorados is a distinct Brazilian observance, although its romantic customs resemble those of February 14 in many other countries.