Mexican Valentine’s Day: El día del amor y de la amistad
Celebrate Mexican Valentine's Day with your loved one and book these top Valentine's Day trips in honor of the day of love and friendship
In Mexico, just like in any other country, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of February. However, one thing that makes Mexico so special is how they dedicate this day to ‘El amor y la amistad’ - love and friendship. It is not a day to dedicate 100% to your loved one, in fact, it is rather common for friends and family to all gather together for a big celebration. Mexican Valentine’s Day is celebrated by the young and the old, who all participate in making it a memorable occasion.
How is Mexican Valentine’s Day celebrated?
Mexicans LOVE to party and their Day of the Dead celebrations have gained an iconic worldwide status for their color and vibrance. Mexican Valentine’s Day traditions dictate that the time between the 14th-16th February should be spent socializing with loved ones, either at dinners or on the beach. Of course, it is very common for couples to give gifts and the popular choices include anything from flowers and chocolate to hiring a mariachi band to serenade the lovebirds.
Say 'I love you' with the best Valentine’s Day trips
Mexican Valentine’s Day is a big event in the Mexican calendar. It is looked forward to with great anticipation with stores and street sellers preparing their wares from mid-January onwards. While some people choose to enjoy quality time at home, others enjoy Valentine’s Day in Mexico breaking from their routine for some exploring. There are so many idyllic destinations that provide the perfect backdrop for romantic couple photos. Discover our round up of sizzling hot places to rest and relax this 'Día del amor y la amistad'.
Celebrate the day of love and friendship on the beaches of Ixtapa
While away the hours on a white sand beach while celebrating Mexican Valentine’s Day with your loved one. The Mexican resort town of Ixtapa provides a dreamlike spot for Valentine’s weekend getaways and is located just a short flight from Zihuatanejo international airport. Let your worries melt away as you enjoy soaking up the baking sun on El Palmar beach, a glorious stretch of sand that blends seamlessly with the crystal waters of the Pacific ocean. If you are budding golfers, the area is home to some world-class golf courses such as the Palma Real and Marina Ixtapa golf courses. Discover the highlights of this glamorous town and enjoy a romantic Valentine’s escape.
Learn how to say 'Happy Valentine’s Day' in Spanish while discovering Mexico City
If a cultural sight-seeing tour of a city appeals more than a sandy beach break, Mexico City is not to be missed. Teaming with life and endless cheap thrills, it is a must see for truly getting to the heart of Mexican culture. Study the work of Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican painter, at her house in Coyoacan. Then compare it to the work of her husband, Diego Rivera whose murals can be seen adorning the walls of civic buildings. Don’t let their tumultuous love affair dampen your spirits as there is so much more to enjoy for Mexican Valentine’s Day. Take a romantic handheld stroll down the Paseo de la Reforma, an iconic boulevard lined with statues, and be sure to sample the mouth watering street food that can be found on every corner. The city’s museums and markets also make for great Valentine’s Day trip ideas to enjoy as a couple.
Jet off on a last minute Valentine’s Day vacation to Playa del Carmen
Pack your towel and your swimwear and head to the Caribbean shores of Playa del Carmen. Unspoiled white sand beaches and turquoise waters await those embarking on Valentine travel. But, this beach resort is a chic oasis buzzing with things to do. Be sure to try some Mexican Valentine’s day food while dining at one of the Fifth Avenue and after, why not explore the wilderness of Xcaret Park? It is home to some incredible tropical wildlife as well as thrilling adventure rides making it a must see for your Valentine’s day getaway. Schedule in some downtime at one of the town’s luxurious hotels and enjoy a revitalizing couples massage in celebration of this romantic occasion. Or, if you are looking for a taste of city life, take a short drive to Cancún, home to the Cancún Underwater Museum, Playa Norte and the famous flea market Mercado 28.
Venture to the Mayan pyramids for the best Valentine’s weekend getaways
The Riviera Maya offers a truly breathtaking Mexican Valentine’s Day experience thanks to the unmissable Mayan pyramids and refreshing cenotes. Delve deep into Mayan culture as you venture off to explore ancient ruins such as the Pre-Hispanic city of Chichen Itza, one of the most important Mayan monuments and a protected UNESCO site. This sunkissed area of Mexico offers one of the best trips for Valentine’s Day thanks to the diverse landscapes, incredible beaches, delicious food and mind blowing culture. Discover what lies beneath the ocean in one of the most favored spots for Scuba diving, the Cenote Dos Ojos which can reach up to 120 meters in depth. Or, simply enjoy beach life at one of Tulum’s highly coveted beaches.
Other Caribbean Trips for Valentine’s Day Weekend
If you fancy exploring further afield then the sandy shores or Aruba and Punta Cana offer blissful Caribbean getaways for couples to enjoy. The Dutch island of Aruba provides some of the best marine life in the region making it a top destination for fans of snorkelling and scuba diving. Be sure to visit Palm Beach, the island’s top resort for enjoying white sand beaches and calm waters, not to mention the incredible sunsets. Punta Cana on the other hand is famous for being a worldwide Caribbean resort. Located in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana offers tourists an exotic escape bursting with color and life. Famous for its 160km long stretch of white sand and gentle waves, Punta Cana is one of the best Valentine’s trips for a relaxing couples getaway. Be sure to enjoy a range of watersports on offer, try your hand at golf and of course, don’t go home without sampling the local rum.