Yes, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Italy, but it’s not nearly as commercial as in the United States, which is refreshing. What’s interesting is that San Valentino (Saint Valentine) was from Italy. Ironically, he was known for his chastity, but is now the patron saint of lovers. I did a little research to find out why. It turns out that during Roman times, soldiers were forbidden to marry; my guess is that the ruler at the time, Emperor Claudius II, probably thought that a wife at home would be too 
distracting. But Valentino, who was a priest at the time basically said “Ruler, be damned” and encouraged young people to marry. For this crime he was sentenced to death and was executed on February 14. Valentino was later granted sainthood and became known as the protector of lovers, and February 14 became the day that his sainthood is celebrated. It has since become worldwide event and is celebrated in many countries. 
In some places in Italy today, it is customary to become engaged on Valentine’s Day, and many shops show beautiful window displays of flowers and candy to purchase for your loved on on this special day.
As for the students, many were thrilled to receive flowers, sent by their wonderful boyfriends and families. How special it was for them to be remembered on this special day, so far from home. Buon San Valentino! (Happy Valentine’s Day!)
distracting. But Valentino, who was a priest at the time basically said “Ruler, be damned” and encouraged young people to marry. For this crime he was sentenced to death and was executed on February 14. Valentino was later granted sainthood and became known as the protector of lovers, and February 14 became the day that his sainthood is celebrated. It has since become worldwide event and is celebrated in many countries. 
In some places in Italy today, it is customary to become engaged on Valentine’s Day, and many shops show beautiful window displays of flowers and candy to purchase for your loved on on this special day.
As for the students, many were thrilled to receive flowers, sent by their wonderful boyfriends and families. How special it was for them to be remembered on this special day, so far from home. Buon San Valentino! (Happy Valentine’s Day!) 
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