7 Shocking Differences: Why 'Feliz Día Del Amor Y La Amistad' Isn't Just Spanish Valentine's Day In 2025

The phrase "Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad" translates directly to "Happy Day of Love and Friendship," and while it is often used as the Spanish equivalent of Valentine's Day, its celebration, meaning, and even its date vary dramatically across Latin America. As of December 11, 2025, the traditions surrounding this holiday are a vibrant mix of romantic gestures and platonic appreciation, with one major country—Colombia—standing out for a surprising, commercially-driven date shift that makes their celebration truly unique.

Understanding this holiday requires looking beyond the typical February 14th calendar entry. In many countries, it's a dual celebration of *Amor* (romantic love) and *Amistad* (platonic friendship), a crucial distinction from the globally recognized Saint Valentine's Day. This deep dive explores the seven most surprising differences and essential facts you need to know about the Day of Love and Friendship in 2025.

The Essential Guide to Día del Amor y la Amistad Dates and Locations (2025)

The first and most significant difference lies in the calendar. While many Latin American nations align with the global February 14th date, others have completely separate celebrations. This dual dating is key to understanding the regional nuances of the holiday.

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• February 14, 2025: The 'Traditional' Date. Countries like Mexico, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic celebrate *El Día del Amor y la Amistad* (or *Día de San Valentín*) on February 14th. Here, the focus is equally split between celebrating romantic partners and close friends, often involving large group gatherings and public celebrations of platonic friendship.
• September 20, 2025: The Colombian Anomaly. In Colombia, *Día del Amor y la Amistad* is celebrated on the third Saturday of September. In 2025, this falls on Saturday, September 20th. This date is entirely unique to Colombia and is a major cultural event across cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Bucaramanga.

This date difference is not arbitrary; it has a fascinating history rooted in commerce, not religious or historical tradition.

The Shocking Commercial History Behind Colombia's September Date

Why did Colombia move its celebration of love and friendship away from the global February 14th date? The answer is a classic example of commercial strategy.

The shift occurred in 1969. Colombian merchants and businessmen lobbied to move the holiday to September. Their reasoning was simple: February was already a busy month with back-to-school sales and other commercial activities, which diluted the sales potential of Valentine's Day.

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By moving the holiday to September—a month with fewer major holidays or commercial events—merchants could maximize sales of traditional gifts like roses, chocolates, and elaborate dinners. The goal was to create a dedicated consumer peak, and the strategy worked, establishing a new, unique tradition that has endured for over five decades.

The Amigo Secreto Tradition: A Latin American Phenomenon

Perhaps the most defining, and most fun, tradition associated with *Día del Amor y la Amistad* is the Amigo Secreto (Secret Friend) game. This is a widespread practice, particularly in Colombia, but also popular in other regions like Brazil (where it's often called *Amigo Oculto*) and Venezuela.

The game is essentially a version of Secret Santa but is played to celebrate platonic friendship and camaraderie, often among colleagues, classmates, or large family groups.

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How to Play Amigo Secreto

The tradition goes beyond a simple gift exchange and often involves a playful, extended ritual:

• The Draw: Participants write their names on slips of paper and draw a "Secret Friend" whom they must give a gift to.
• The 'Endulzadas' (Sweetening): In the days or weeks leading up to the main holiday, participants often give their secret friend small, anonymous gifts, known as *endulzadas* (sweet treats). These can include candies, small notes, chocolates, or baked goods. This playful anonymity builds anticipation.
• The Reveal: On the day of the celebration (September 20th in Colombia, February 14th elsewhere), the main gift is exchanged. Sometimes, participants must guess who their *Amigo Secreto* was, adding an element of fun and social interaction to the day.

This focus on group dynamics and inclusive celebration is what truly sets *Día del Amor y la Amistad* apart from the more couple-centric Valentine's Day celebrated in the United States and Europe.

Modern Trends and Essential Entities for 2025 Celebrations

As we look ahead to the 2025 celebrations, the holiday continues to evolve, blending deep-rooted traditions with modern digital trends. The core entities of the holiday remain the same, but the way they are expressed is changing.

The emphasis on *Amistad* has led to a surge in Galentine's Day-style celebrations, where groups of friends—not just couples—go out for traditional dinners, host parties, or take short weekend trips. Social media is now a primary channel for expressing the holiday's sentiment, with a focus on specific, trending hashtags.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords for Topical Authority

To fully grasp the scope of this holiday, it is essential to understand the key people, places, and concepts—the entities—that define it. These terms are crucial for anyone researching or celebrating the day:

• Core Concepts: *Amor* (Love), *Amistad* (Friendship), *Platonic Connection*, *Romantic Love*, *Regalos* (Gifts), *Endulzadas* (Sweet Treats).
• Key Traditions: *Amigo Secreto*, *Amigo Oculto*, *Secret Santa*, *Cena Romántica* (Romantic Dinner), Gift Exchange.
• Geographical Locations: Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Latin America, Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga, Puerto Rico.
• Historical Context: 1969 Date Change, Colombian Merchants, Commercial Strategy, Saint Valentine.
• Popular Gifts/Items: Roses, Chocolates, Candies, Personalized Gifts, Greeting Cards, Teddy Bears.

In 2025, digital communication remains paramount. Searches for the best phrases and messages to send to friends and partners are trending, with people looking for the perfect way to say "Te quiero" (I love you/I care for you) to both their romantic partners and their closest friends.

Ultimately, whether you are celebrating in Mexico on February 14th or participating in an *Amigo Secreto* exchange in Colombia in September, *Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad* is a powerful, inclusive holiday that elevates friendship to the same level of importance as romantic love. It’s a reminder that all forms of connection deserve to be celebrated.