Love and Friendship Day in Colombia 2026: Date, History and Traditions

In Colombia, Love and Friendship Day falls on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Known locally as Amor y Amistad, the celebration brings couples, friends, families and coworkers together around a simple idea: appreciating the relationships that make everyday life more meaningful.

Unlike Valentine's Day, the Colombian celebration is not limited to romantic love. Friendship, family ties and the popular amigo secreto gift exchange are just as important.

When is Love and Friendship Day in Colombia in 2026?

The celebration takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Colombia observes Amor y Amistad on the third Saturday of September, so the exact date changes from year to year.

Most people celebrate during that weekend. Offices, schools and groups of friends may hold their gift exchange a few days earlier, depending on everyone's schedule.

Why does Colombia celebrate it in September?

Colombia adopted the tradition of Valentine's Day in the mid-twentieth century but moved it from February to September. The new date gave the occasion its own place in the country's social and commercial calendar.

Over time, the celebration developed a distinctly Colombian identity and became known as the Day of Love and Friendship. The change involved more than the month: friendship became central, and the amigo secreto tradition became one of the season's defining customs.

Amigo secreto: a Colombian September tradition

In an amigo secreto exchange, each participant randomly receives another person's name and prepares a gift without revealing their identity until the agreed date. Some groups leave small clues, notes or sweets for several days before everyone discovers who chose them.

Three simple rules make the activity more enjoyable:

• agree on a realistic budget for everyone;
• set the date and place in advance;
• ask each participant for a short list of preferences.

When you do not know the recipient well, useful and easy-to-enjoy gifts tend to work best. Our guide to what to give for Amor y Amistad includes options for different relationships and budgets.

For the name draw, budget and final reveal, see our complete guide to Secret Friend in Colombia.

Amor y Amistad is not only for couples

Romantic love is part of the occasion, but so are friendship, family affection and gratitude between coworkers. A shared breakfast, a handwritten note, a walk or an uninterrupted conversation can be just as meaningful as a physical gift.

The gesture should suit the relationship. A couple may prefer an intimate experience; a friend may appreciate a reference to a shared story; a relative may enjoy something connected to everyday wellbeing; and a coworker usually calls for a thoughtful but neutral gift.

Simple ways to celebrate

Share an experience

Cook a meal together, visit a special place or spend an afternoon doing something you both enjoy. The experience creates a memory that lasts beyond the date itself.

Write a personal message

A short card can explain why you chose the gift. It does not have to sound formal: a specific memory, a sincere thank-you or a personal wish often feels more genuine than a generic quote.

Choose something the recipient can enjoy

Everyday objects can become small rituals. An aromatic product, a book, a plant or a selection of flavors works best when it reflects the person's real preferences.

A limited edition inspired by five kinds of affection

Caribe Pasión created the Amor y Amistad Kit as a sensory interpretation of the celebration. It brings together five handmade soaps —Maracuyá, Orquídea, Rosa y Canela, Flor de Loto and Carbón Activado— chosen to represent joy, admiration, passion, serenity and complicity.

Each soap has a distinctive aroma that leaves the skin delicately scented. The bars are enriched with seven noble oils, made in Colombia, paraben-free and INVIMA certified. The box includes a personalized card and a sisal bag, so the gift arrives complete and ready to share.

This limited edition was designed for a partner, friend, relative or amigo secreto. Its purpose is not to define how the day should be celebrated, but to offer a Colombian detail combining color, fragrance and everyday wellbeing.

Discover the Amor y Amistad Kit

How to choose a fragrance as a gift

Scent is personal, but fragrance families can help guide your choice:

• Fruity: expressive and joyful, suited to people who enjoy lively aromas.
• Floral: soft and elegant, a classic option for a delicate gift.
• Warm and spicy: enveloping scents with more character.
• Fresh or deep: ideal for those who prefer a clean sensation or a less sweet fragrance.

If you would rather choose every aroma yourself, explore Caribe Pasión's collection of natural handmade soaps.

Frequently asked questions

What date is Amor y Amistad in Colombia in 2026?

Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Is it always celebrated on September 19?

No. It falls on the third Saturday of September, so the date changes each year.

Is the celebration only for couples?

No. In Colombia it also celebrates friendship, family and bonds between coworkers.

What is amigo secreto?

It is a gift exchange in which each participant receives another person's name and keeps their identity secret until the agreed date.

What can you give?

An experience, a handwritten note, a handmade detail or something useful chosen according to the recipient's tastes. The intention matters more than the size of the gift.

A day to appreciate everyday relationships

Amor y Amistad works best when it does not feel like an obligation. The celebration can be as simple as saying thank you, spending time together or choosing a detail that says, “I thought of you.” Its romantic, friendly and family dimensions are precisely what make it so distinctly Colombian.