Dia del Amor y la Amistad
A Barefoot Valentines
February 14th. Valentine’s Day. This date has been a holiday I struggle to understand. Perhaps it’s because growing up in the States, from my elementary days to pubescent high school questionings, I’ve always known Valentine’s Day to be a big corporate holiday where couples express love for each other by giving roses, along with whatever trending confectionery was at your disposal – be it Hersey’s, Cadbury, Lindt or good ole Belgium stand by Guylian — and of course, bubbly was involved. But what always got me was that the holiday was centered around ALREADY having a spouse or significant other to which shower such tangible affections. What if you didn’t have a partner? Why give a sh*t!
Well, leave it to a few wise Mexicans to introduction me to the true meaning of this holiday. As a kid in Mexico City, I was introduced to San Valentín or Día de San Valentín as a day when the martyred priest Valentín died and was buried on February 14th 269 AD. And, since then has been celebrated with the feast of San Valentín on a global level.
The narratives that I remember most about this man of the cloth, was that Valentín defied the order of the emperor Claudius and secretly performed weddings for any ‘couples’ going off to war, which went against the Roman Empire. He was also harshly tormented for ministering to non-Christians persecuted by Roman law (hmm, Jews perhaps — but that’s another chapter.) It was these narratives that helped me discover how the love Valentín was expressing transgressed beyond the love we show to those we’re married or committed to. Love has no boundaries. Love is ubiquitous. So, you can image what a delight it was for me to learn that the holiday in México is also known ‘Día del Amor y la Amistad.’ Translation: ‘Day of Love and Friendship.’
However you acknowledge Valentine’s day – it all boils down to this. LOVE is love. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate the special people in your life… Spouse, Lover, Partner, Soulmate, Best Friend, Mom, Dad, Neighbor, or that special Grindr hook-up — LOVE is love.
Speaking of love, BAREFOOT, which has been showering its love to the LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years, offers the perfect portfolio of pinks that are both affordable and will certainly add to your perfect evening. Or better yet, try some of these yummy Barefoot recipe suggestions to help you enjoy Valentine’s Day with your sweatheart, best friend, or chosen family.
Feliz Dia del Amor y la Amistad!
