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Valentine’s Day will be a celebration of lovers

Many spring flowers are given as gifts on Valentine's Day.(Bild: Foto Fischer)

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love: there are countless ways to make your loved ones happy. Whether romantic, culinary, or stylish—this day brings in a lot of money for the local economy.

The classic gift of flowers is still very popular: primroses, daffodils, tulips, and regional spring flowers bring color to the gray late winter. Especially on Valentine's Day. Here in Carinthia, 80 production companies grow seven million plants per year on around 50 hectares, from roses to apple trees. Then there are the florists, some of which are mixed businesses, mainly family businesses that are also investing in the future and currently training a total of 30 apprentices – from Flattach in the Mölltal valley to Wolfsberg. 

A lovingly arranged bouquet of flowers is a sign of appreciation. In Velden, Felix-Pichler Koban, who is the fourth generation to run the nursery, is busy. "Many women also give men spring flowers as gifts on Valentine's Day."

Red roses aren't the only gift on Valentine's Day.(Bild: Christian Tragner)

A Valentine's Day brunch awaits at the Klagenfurt Chess Museum.(Bild: Christian Tragner)

Valentine's Day is a celebration of lovers.(Bild: pixel-shot.com (Leonid Yastremskiy))

Valentine as the patron saint of lovers
There are now countless ways to make your loved ones happy on Valentine's Day. Incidentally, Valentine's Day is named after Saint Valentine of Rome, the patron saint of lovers. Valentine lived in Rome in the 3rd century and married couples according to Christian rites.

It is the only time of year when men buy more flowers than women. "Happy Valentine's Day" always serves its purpose – whether it's for colleagues, family, or friends.

The jewelry stores at the City Arkaden in Klagenfurt are also full. "A ring or necklace from Valentine's Day brings extra luck," say couples in love. "This special day drives sales up," says managing director Ernst Hofbauer. "We've also set up a selfie heart, in front of which hundreds of people are having their photos taken."

Love letters are also written on February 14. Numerous Valentine's Day films have been made, including one by Winnie the Pooh.

Many weddings on Valentine's Day
"Gift-giving is in high season, affecting many industries," says Richard Oswald, manager of the Atrio shopping center in Villach. "Candy stores have their own packaging, and just like at Christmas and Easter, customers have the money to spend. The right offer has to be just right. But price doesn't play such a big role. The important thing is to think of someone and make them happy."

Incidentally, the registry offices are also busy on February 14. "Three couples have decided to tie the knot on this day," says Birgit Gruber from the registry office in Klagenfurt. Across Carinthia, the number is significantly higher.