Cupido is coming to town

Cupido is coming to town once again!

And for his arrival all around the world, every February 14, restaurants make special menus, red candies and heart shaped chocolates pop up in grocery stores and hotels in the most romantic destinations, included my lovely Venice, fill up. 

Music has always been a way for me to express my feelings and how I felt in some situations. And love is often the focus of my songwriting. Love is also the key work for me to choose songs form my concerts. Love is also the way I live my life.

Is there any better festivity for a hopeless romantic like me? Answer: for sure no.

Even thought I think we should celebrate love everyday, to have a day dedicated to LOVE gives us “romantics: the chance to make it as lovely and unforgettable as we can.

Nowadays lovers exchange chocolates, candies and expensive jewelries. But how did Valentine’s Day become what is today?

They say that Its roots go all the way back to an ancient Roman ritual called Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture and to Romulus and Remus (founders of Rome). Lupercalia was later outlawed because of its un-Christian nature and Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day in honor of a martyr who lived in the 3rd century.

But it was during the 14th century that St. Valentine’s Day became connected with love.  Scholars say Chaucer was one of the first who linked the festivity with romance. Also, in medieval France and England it was believed that birds mated on February 14, that is why Chaucer used birds as symbol of lovers. By the 18th century, people started exchanging hand-made Valentine cards: it officially became the day of love.

Personally, I love intimate dinners or long walks, but usually the most appreciated gifts are said to be romantic escapes (what about a getaway on a beach in the Caribbean or a gondola ride in Venice at night?).

Concerts (people often propose during romantic songs!) and dinners in beautiful restaurants are also very popular. Another perfect date to me, would be to watch a romantic movie. 50 First Dates, Sleepless in Seattle and Roman Holiday are some of my favorites.

I did some researches because I love quick facts and Buzzfeed-like lists. So here are some numbers:

Valentine’s Day facts:

1. According to a Hallmark research, more than half of the U.S.population celebrate Valentine’s Day by purchasing greeting cards.
2. 150 million cards are exchanged each Valentine’s Day.
3. More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold.
4. More than 220 million roses are produced for the holiday in a year.
5. All together American spend more than 20 billion dollars for Valentine’s Day.
6. 6 million couples are likely to get engaged on February 14.

There are also many Valentine's Day Superstitions. Here some of my favorites:

1. On Valentine's Day, the first guy's name you read in the paper or hear on the TV or radio will be the name of the man you will marry.

2. If you see a goldfinch on Valentine's Day, you will marry a millionaire.

3. If you see a robin on Valentine's Day, you will marry a crime fighter - maybe they mean Batman!

4. If you see a flock of doves on Valentine's Day, you will have a happy, peaceful marriage.

In Italy for the love’s day we usually go on a date or book a weekend somewhere. My top choices would be Florence, Rome, Positano and - guess what - Venice. 

And if you are in Venice on Valentine’s day here are three wonderful things to do you will never forget:

 1. Grab your loved one for an impromptu dance under the moon in St. Mark Square.

 2. Walk over the Bridge of Sighs hand-in-hand with your loved one while you visit the Doge’s palace.

  3. Leave the crowds and take a wander down less well-known alleys where lay the places to stumble across the real deal in some delicious Venetian cooking.

 4. Get lost in the rainbow color island of Burano. A dream in a dream!

You can’t go wrong with them.

And if Cupid has not sent his arrow to your heart yet and you are single? No reasons not to celebrate and here’s what you can do:

 1. Pamper yourself and buy yourself cute Valentine's Day gifts which could be flowers, a cute teddy or a dress you have been planning to buy since long or shoes. You may also indulge yourself by going in for spa or head to toe beauty treatment. Indulging in books, CDs, and gourmet meals can be a good way of enjoying the day for some.

 2. Have a fun extravaganza night  with friends: plan out a dinner, a movie or a Concert with best friends. You may also throw a “singles party” or “Un-Valentine's Day Party” at your home and have a blast. You will know that life is fun in the company of loving friends.

3.  Express Gratitude for friends and dear ones: instead of feeling depressed and ashamed for not having a significant other to spend the day you can spend Valentine's Day in a constructive manner by expressing love and affection for people around you. One can thank and greet Valentine's Day to one's parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors or anyone dear. Visiting hospitals and giving roses to sick can also be a touching way of experiencing bliss on Valentine's Day, or  visiting an orphanage or old age home who are always in need of love and affection.

And as for me this year on Valentine’s Day?

I will be in Roanoke Virginia sharing love and music live in the studio of Blue Ridge PBS where my television show “From Venice With Love” will air at 7PM.

So what can you do also on Valentine’s Day if you live in Roanoke, Virginia ? Have a nice dinner for two ready, with a nice glass of prosecco,, candlelight  the TV tuned in on Blue Ridge PBS ad enjoy my super romantic television special From Venice With Love with your loved one.

You don’t live there? You can play my DVD of “From Venice With Love” or my CD……and love will be in the air .

Let the countdown starts……

From Venice With Love,

Giada