Valentine’s Day is Every Day for Those In Love

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Valentine’s Day is around the corner, even though many believe that it is only a marketing trick, some still believe in romance and love.

ZAGREB, CROATIA - The day once dedicated to love and dedication, has today become only a marketing trick that numerous retailers cash in on. At least this is what most of Zagreb’s residents think when we asked them if they were preparing any surprises for their better halves, and what Valentine’s Day means for them.

Why we celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14
One of the theories of marking Valentine’s Day is the memory of the priest Valentine, who secretly married soldiers even though he should not have. In a time when Christianity was a young religion, the emperor Claudius prohibited soldiers from entering marriage. However, Valentine ignored this and held marriage ceremonies. Even though love knows no boundaries, the emperor’s hand reached Valentine, who threw him in a dungeon and beheaded him on February 14. Not long after his death, the people declared Valentine to be a saint.

Zagreb’s residents go on romantic weekends for Valentine’s Day

Most of Zagreb's citizens we asked do not know exactly how the story of Valentine goes. Even though many think that some king or bishop was in question, few know the story of emperor Claudius who prohibited soldiers from getting married. However, regardless of that, Valentine held marriage ceremonies. Unfortunately, the priest was unable to escape the emperor’s hand, who threw him into a dungeon and beheaded him on February 14. Since then February 14 has been marked as the day for love.

In accordance with that, every year the tourist agencies prepare special packages for a romantic weekend outside the city. However, this year people are more restrained in going on a trip.

“This year we do not have any special packages, but people nonetheless express their wishes” said a source from the Bantours tourist agency, adding that the number of requests has not increased with Valentine’s Day.

Ivana Magdić-.--.- On the other hand, the tourist agency Integral says that a large number of Valentine’s Day offers have been sold.

“There are more requests than accommodation. We have nothing on offer in Zagreb and its surroundings, but people are very interested in weekends in Opatija, which are nearly sold out” they say at the agency.

Also, agencies are recording increasing interest with the pass of the January and cold days, so they expect more people to contact them with queries.

Whoever you decide to spend Valentine’s Day with, with gifts or without, it is most important that you are with someone you love, because regardless of what others day, Valentine’s Day a day about love, and not marketing.