Before you listen to the text or read the audio script below, think about what you already know concerning the differences between Valentine’s Day and Dia dos Namorados.
Listening Comprehension Practice
I. Pre-listening Questions:
1. What do you already know about Valentine’s Day?
2. How do Brazilians celebrate Dia dos Namorados?
3. Do you think Valentine’s Day is only for couples, or do other people celebrate it too?
II. Now listen to the text or read the audio script and answer the questions that follow. Then check your answers in the answer-key.
Valentine’s Day vs. Dia dos Namorados: Similarities and Differences
Love is in the air at different times of the year, depending on where you are in the world. While in the United States and many other countries, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, in Brazil, Dia dos Namorados takes place on June 12.
But why are these dates different? And how do traditions vary?
Origins of the Celebrations
Valentine’s Day has its roots in Ancient Rome and is linked to Saint Valentine, a bishop who, according to legend, defied imperial orders by secretly performing weddings for soldiers. He was executed on February 14, becoming a symbol of romantic love.
In contrast, Dia dos Namorados in Brazil was established in 1948 by business owners looking to boost sales in a slow month. The date was chosen because June 12 is the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day, known as the “matchmaker saint.”
Traditions and Differences
• In the U.S. and Europe, Valentine’s Day is not just for couples. Friends, family members, and even colleagues exchange cards, chocolates, and flowers. Many students give small notes to classmates at school.
• In Brazil, Dia dos Namorados is exclusively romantic. Couples exchange gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and jewelry and usually go out for a special dinner.
• On Valentine’s Day, there is a strong tradition of sending romantic cards (the famous “valentines”), while in Brazil, love declarations are more informal, usually accompanied by gifts.
• Another big difference is that in the U.S., marriage proposals are common on Valentine’s Day, whereas in Brazil, they usually happen on special dates like relationship anniversaries.
Whether in February or June, the important thing is to celebrate love.
What about you? Which of these dates do you prefer?
Post-listening Questions:
1. Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14?
2. Why was June 12 chosen for Dia dos Namorados in Brazil?
3. What is the main difference in how these holidays are celebrated
in Brazil and the U.S.?
4. How do people express their love on Valentine’s Day compared to
Dia dos Namorados?
5. In your opinion, which celebration is more interesting? Why?
Answer-key:
Pre-listening Questions & Answers
1. What do you already know about Valentine’s Day?
• English: Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. People exchange
gifts, chocolates, and cards. In some countries, it’s not just for couples
but also for friends and family.
• Portuguese: O Valentine’s Day é comemorado em 14 de fevereiro. As pessoas
trocam presentes, chocolates e cartões. Em alguns países, não é apenas para
casais, mas também para amigos e familiares.
2. How do Brazilians celebrate Dia dos Namorados?
• English: In Brazil, Dia dos Namorados is on June 12. It is mainly for
couples, who exchange gifts like flowers and chocolates and go out for
romantic dinners.
• Portuguese: No Brasil, o Dia dos Namorados é no dia 12 de junho. Ele é
principalmente para casais, que trocam presentes como flores e chocolates e
saem para jantares românticos.
3. Do you think Valentine’s Day is only for couples, or do other people
celebrate it too?
• English: In some countries, Valentine’s Day is for everyone, including
friends, family, and classmates. In others, it is mostly for romantic partners.
• Portuguese: Em alguns países, o Valentine’s Day é para todos, incluindo
amigos, familiares e colegas de classe. Em outros, é mais voltado para casais.
Post-listening Questions & Answers
1. Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14?
• English: The date is linked to Saint Valentine, a Roman bishop who married
couples in secret. He was executed on February 14, and the date became a
symbol of love.
• Portuguese: A data está ligada a São Valentim, um bispo romano que casava
casais em segredo. Ele foi executado em 14 de fevereiro, e a data se tornou
um símbolo do amor.
2. Why was June 12 chosen for Dia dos Namorados in Brazil?
• English: June 12 was chosen because it is the day before Saint Anthony’s
Day. Saint Anthony is known as the matchmaker saint in Brazil.
• Portuguese: O dia 12 de junho foi escolhido por ser a véspera do Dia de
Santo Antônio. Santo Antônio é conhecido como o santo casamenteiro no Brasil.
3. What is the main difference in how these holidays are celebrated in Brazil
and the U.S.?
• English: In the U.S., Valentine’s Day is for couples, friends, and even
children at school. In Brazil, Dia dos Namorados is mostly for romantic partners.
• Portuguese: Nos EUA, o Valentine’s Day é para casais, amigos e até crianças
na escola. No Brasil, o Dia dos Namorados é principalmente para casais.
4. How do people express their love on Valentine’s Day compared to Dia dos
Namorados?
• English: On Valentine’s Day, people exchange cards, chocolates, and flowers.
In Brazil, couples give gifts, go out for dinner, and spend time together.
• Portuguese: No Valentine’s Day, as pessoas trocam cartões, chocolates e
flores. No Brasil, os casais trocam presentes, saem para jantar e ficam juntos.
5. In your opinion, which celebration is more interesting? Why?
• English: Answers will vary. Some may prefer Valentine’s Day for its inclusive
nature, while others may enjoy the romantic focus of Dia dos Namorados.
• Portuguese: As respostas podem variar. Alguns podem preferir o Valentine’s
Day pela inclusão, enquanto outros gostam do foco romântico do Dia dos Namorados.
