Dia de Amor y Amistad

Colombians celebrate their version of Valentine's Day "Dia de Amor y Amistad" (Love and Friendship Day) on the 3rd Saturday in September.

Now unlike the American tradition of Valentine's Day being about your wife, girlfriend/boyfriend or love interest, in Colombia it is about celebrating both your love and your friends.  It's a chance to show them how much you care about them.

At the different grocery stores and shops around Cartagena I had noticed all the candy displays, heart shaped balloons and flowers being displayed and wondered what the deal was.  Robert came home from work and told me his office had exchanged names for "Love and Friendship Day" and he would need me to help him get gifts for his secret person.  It seems that among the Colombians it is common to pick names secretly among your co workers and show them some "Love and Friendship".

Well last night I had the privilege of seeing "Love and Friendship Day" happen among some Colombian co workers.  While eating dinner at Hard Rock Café I noticed many tables put together and party decorations displayed.  I even mentioned to Robert that it must be someones birthday.  What a treat it was when we realized it was a group of friends celebrating "Dia de Amor y Amistad".

I tried not to stare, it was hard...but the fun and love coming from that group said it all.  Didn't matter that I couldn't understand the language because the laughter and smiles told me exactly what I needed to know.  Each one would stand up (this was a large group of over 20) and tell something special about their special friend and present them with a small gift, then it was that person's turn to go next.  This went on until all secret friends had been revealed. 

What I learned last night is that no matter what country you are from, we are all the same.  Maybe we speak different languages, eat different foods and look different, but at the end of the day....we are all so alike.  Just like the group of young professional Colombians I watched last night, no different than when we get together with our co workers or friends.  Celebrating "Love and Friendship"!

It sure made me miss my friends and family but it also made me realize I didn't have to be a Colombian to celebrate "Dia de Amor y Amistad" AKA "Love and Friendship Day", so to all my friends and family much love from me to you.