By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Observed every year on June 12th, Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day/Boyfriends, Girlfriends’ Day) honors love and relationships in Brazil and features celebrations similar to Valentine’s Day with dates, flowers, dining out, gifts, decorations, and parties.
While most countries, including other Portuguese-speaking nations, celebrate Valentine’s Day in honor of Saint Valentine in February, Brazil does not celebrate on February 14th due to the date’s proximity to Carnival celebrations.
Dia dos Namorados instead falls on the day before Saint Anthony of Padua’s Day. That holiday is celebrated on June 13th and is included as part of the Festas Juninas. In Brazil, as well as Portugal and Spain, Saint Anthony is recognized mainly as the marriage saint.
Many venues and clubs throughout Rio de Janeiro will host holiday-themed events and parties throughout the weekend. In Cantagalo, Gilda no Cantagalo will host a special Dia dos Namorados edition of its Jazz no Morro event. The Abel Ribeiro Trio will perform the best of classic jazz live and there will be Brazilian music and pop during show intervals.
The Maze Rio will host a special Brazilian Valentine’s Day- themed Sunday feast with Indian Curry with homemade Indian breads and various side dishes and accompaniments.
Additionally, many restaurants throughout the city will offer meal specials on the holiday. Casarão 1903 in Botafogo will offer special heart-shaped white chocolate panna cotta and black chocolate with flambé strawberries while the Red Queen Louge & Bar, also in Botafogo, will offer a special Dia dos Namorados menu prepared by chef Paulo Araújo. Selections will include white fish ceviche, a chicken curry roll, salmon fillet in coconut sauce with black rice and filet mignon with mustard sauce and creamy rice and vegetables.
To learn about more upcoming Dia dos Namorados themed events held on Sunday and during the weekend in Rio de Janeiro, make sure to daily check The Rio Times Nightlife Guide.