Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love is in the air! Every year, on February 14th, people around the world exchange cards, gifts, and candy with their loved ones to celebrate friendship, significant others, and more. This year, the holiday falls on Wednesday, so it’s time to prepare for the events to follow.

Though the origins of Valentine’s Day are disputed, many point to the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalia. The often violent celebration of fertility fell from February 13th to 15th. With the rise of Christianity in ancient Rome, however, this pagan ritual was banned, but that didn’t stop it from being a day celebrating fertility and love. The modern holiday got its name, Valentine’s Day, from two Saint Valentine’s who were martyred in the 3rd century.

Many historians believe that Valentine’s Day only became the celebration of love that we know today through the writing of the early English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Many have determined that Chaucer was the first to link love with the celebration of St. Valentine in his works The Parliament of Fowls and The Complaint of Mars. This link, however, had probably existed within popular culture long before it was written down.

Nowadays, people all over the world celebrate this holiday with flowers, festivals, chocolates, and, of course, time with loved ones. No matter how or why it is celebrated, it has become a global phenomenon that encourages fun, love, and quality time.

If you are looking for chocolate to give your significant other, you never have to go too far in the Bay Area. Here are a few of our favorite local chocolatiers:

1. Dandelion Chocolate: Based in San Francisco, Dandelion Chocolate has long been voted one of the best bean-to-bar chocolatiers in the United States. Enjoy the subtle flavors from bean sources around the world.

2. Christopher Elbow Chocolate: With its first location in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, Christopher Elbow has some of the most appealing Valentine’s specials in the Bay Area. Enjoy raspberry champagne truffles, heart-shaped boxes, and carefully molded chocolates.

3. Javier’s Confectionery: Located inside Preston’s Candy and Ice Cream in Burlingame, Javier’s Confectionery boasts some of the best chocolate on the peninsula. Stop by the store to choose your favorites or enjoy their box of the month, curated to include all tastes.

We hope your Valentine’s Day is full of love and joy!