What is the name of the Brazilian Valentine's Day celebrated on June 12?

Brazil celebrates its Valentine’s Day equivalent, Dia dos Namorados, on June 12.

The Portuguese name means “Lovers’ Day” or “Boyfriends and Girlfriends’ Day.” Couples commonly exchange chocolates, flowers, cards, and presents, so the celebration serves a role similar to February 14 in many other countries.

The date was chosen because it falls on the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day, June 13. Saint Anthony of Padua is popularly associated in Brazil with love, matchmaking, and happy marriages. Some single women traditionally perform folk rituals called simpatias while praying for a spouse or partner.

February 14 is generally not Brazil’s main romantic holiday. It usually falls close to Carnival, whose date moves each year between early February and early March. The celebration should not be confused with Brazil’s Independence Day, Carnival itself, or Mexico’s Día de Muertos.