Celebrating love, pals and community in the welsh capital

Hello! It’s that time of the year again, where the familiar holiday Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Each February, Valentine’s Day arrives wrapped in familiar shades of red and pink, bringing with it everything from grand romantic gestures to quiet moments of connection. Once seen primarily as a celebration for couples, the day has evolved into something far broader. In a city like Cardiff, home to a vibrant and diverse student community, Valentine’s Day is increasingly about recognising all kinds of love, whether that is romantic, platonic, or simply the care we show ourselves and others during a busy academic year. 

St Dwynwen’s Day 

Fun fact: In Wales, love is celebrated slightly earlier in the year with St Dwynwen’s Day on the 25th of January. St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and her story places a strong emphasis on compassion, forgiveness, and wishing happiness for others. Traditionally, the day has been marked by quiet expressions of affection rather than elaborate displays. For many in Wales, St Dwynwen’s Day offers a gentler counterpart to Valentine’s Day, reinforcing the idea that love is not only about romance, but also about kindness and emotional connection. Together, the two celebrations reflect both global and distinctly Welsh perspectives on love.

The history of Valentine’s Day

The history of Valentine’s Day is rooted in legend rather than certainty, but its story remains compelling. One of the most widely told accounts traces the name back to Saint Valentine, a Roman priest living in the third century. At the time, Emperor Claudius II is said to have outlawed marriage, believing that unmarried men made stronger soldiers. Valentine continued to perform weddings in secret, defying the law in the name of love and commitment. He was eventually imprisoned and executed for his actions. According to popular tradition, Valentine wrote a letter to the daughter of his jailer before his death, signing it “from your Valentine”, a phrase that has endured for centuries. While historians debate the accuracy of this tale, it helped cement the 14th of February as a day associated with devotion, loyalty, and affection.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day had become closely linked with romance through poetry and literature. Writers of the time believed that mid February marked the beginning of the mating season for birds, a symbolic link that further tied the date to ideas of love and partnership. Over time, exchanging handwritten notes, tokens, and later printed cards became customary, gradually shaping the traditions we recognise today. What began as a feast day tied to a Christian martyr evolved into a cultural celebration of love that spread far beyond its religious origins.

Modern Valentine’s Day has shifted in tone, particularly within student communities. Increasingly, the day is used as an opportunity to celebrate friendship and connection. Flatmates cook together, friends organise film nights or craft sessions, and course mates take a break from lectures to spend time together. Celebrating with pals removes pressure and highlights the importance of support networks, especially for students living away from home. Love, in this sense, becomes something shared and collective rather than something confined to romantic relationships.

Valentine’s Day in Cardiff

Cardiff provides countless ways to mark Valentine’s Day, whatever your plans or preferences. The city’s independent cafés and restaurants offer cosy settings for a relaxed meal, while cinemas, theatres, and live music venues provide options for those looking for an evening out. For something more low key, a walk through Bute Park or along Cardiff Bay offers space to unwind and enjoy the city at a slower pace. Many students also take advantage of Cardiff’s creative scene, using the day as an excuse to explore galleries, attend workshops, or support local events.

For those who prefer to avoid the crowds altogether, Valentine’s Day can also be a chance for self care. Taking time to rest, reflect, or do something you enjoy can be just as meaningful as any shared celebration. There are plenty of Res Life events you can attend that are valentines themed, whether it be with a partner, a flatmate, or on your own! In a demanding academic environment, recognising the value of looking after yourself is an important part of wellbeing.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day in Cardiff is not defined by one way of celebrating. Whether you are marking the day with a partner, sharing it with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment on your own, the underlying message remains the same. Love is about connection, care, and community. In a city shaped by its people and its sense of belonging, Valentine’s Day offers a reminder that these values matter all year round, not just on the 14th of February 😊