What is Brazil's June 12 holiday for couples called?

Brazil's June 12 holiday for couples is called Dia dos Namorados, or Lovers' Day.

The date functions as Brazil's counterpart to Valentine's Day. Couples commonly exchange chocolates, flowers, cards and other gifts, and many celebrate with a romantic dinner or evening outing. The name literally refers to people who are dating or in love, making it a natural fit for a holiday centered on romantic partners.

June 12 was chosen because it is the eve of Saint Anthony of Padua's feast day, celebrated on June 13. In Brazilian popular tradition, Saint Anthony is associated with love, marriage and finding a partner. Single women have historically performed “simpatias,” folk rituals intended to gain the saint's favor in romance.

Brazil generally does not celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14 in the same way, partly because that date often falls near Carnival. Dia dos Namorados is therefore the key Brazilian romantic celebration, even though the same Portuguese phrase can refer to Valentine's Day in other Portuguese-speaking countries. It is not the same holiday as Festa Junina, the broader June festival season.