September: The Month of Love and Friendship in Colombia
Every September, Colombia dedicates a significant part of its cultural and commercial calendar to a celebration that brings together affection, thoughtful gestures, and gatherings among people who are close to one another. This is Love and Friendship Day, a holiday that, although it shares similarities with Valentine’s Day in the United States, has a distinctive […]
Every September, Colombia transforms its cultural and commercial calendar to celebrate Love and Friendship Day. This unique holiday, which falls on the third Saturday of September, differs from Valentine's Day in the United States by honoring both romantic love and friendships. Activities, gatherings, gifts, and events associated with the celebration typically take place throughout the month.
During this time, people engage in various activities, such as dining out, shopping, and exchanging thoughtful gifts with loved ones, family members, friends, coworkers, and classmates.
Similar to Valentine's Day, Colombia's celebration includes the exchange of gifts, messages, flowers, chocolates, and other tokens of affection. However, this tradition uniquely emphasizes friendships alongside romantic relationships, creating a more inclusive atmosphere. The origins of Colombia's Love and Friendship Day can be traced back to Western celebrations of love and Saint Valentine, but it has since developed its own characteristics and distinctively Colombian appeal.
The shift to September, rather than the romantic February, allowed for a more diverse range of events and offerings, capitalizing on the season's opportunities for commerce and social bonding.
One of the most beloved customs of Colombians is Secret Friend, a gift-exchange game that has gained immense popularity during Love and Friendship Month. Participants draw names to determine their secret friend, keeping the identity undisclosed for most of the game, which is where the term "Secret Friend" originates. While participants often establish a budget and set dates for gift exchanges, some use clues to maintain the element of surprise.
The game culminates in a gathering where everyone presents their assigned gift and reveals their secret friend, or it may take place on the official celebration day, September 19. This tradition not only fosters stronger bonds among friends and coworkers but also helps to reinforce community spirit among schoolmates.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.