Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a special day of the year when people express their love and appreciation for each other worldwide. Whether single or taken, Valentine's Day is a great time to celebrate your relationships and create lasting memories. The History of Valentine's Day Valentine's Day has been celebrated for centuries, and the origins of the holiday are shrouded in mystery and conflicting mythology. Valentine's Day is often celebrated with grand gestures and declarations of love, but who was the man behind the holiday? The truth is that we are still determining precisely who St. Valentine was. The Catholic Church recognizes three different saints, all named Valentine or Valentinus - all of whom were martyred. One was a priest in Rome, said to be killed by the Roman Emperor Claudius II, for performing weddings for soldiers who weren't allowed to marry. Another man was the bishop in Terni, and the third was a martyr in Africa who possibly died helping Roman soldiers escape from prison. One legend claims that this Valentine fell in love with his jailer's daughter and sent her the very first Valentine before his death, a letter signed "From your Valentine." It's unclear which one was the "real" St. Valentine, but all three were said to have performed acts of charity and kindness. In the Middle Ages courtly love (conduct by which a knight in love with a lady was expected to act) and romantic love grew in popularity. This code of conduct dictated that a knight would serve his lady without expectation of material gain and that he would be willing to risk his life for her. During this time, it became common for young people to exchange love letters on Valentine's Day. These letters often contained poetic language and expressions of love. The holiday continued to be associated with romance into the modern period.. In the 17th century, English poet John Donne wrote: "A valentine," describing love's physical and spiritual aspects. During this time, valentines were often handmade and given to loved ones. The holiday really took off in the 19th century when Esther Howland began mass-producing valentines in America. Her valentines were so popular that she eventually opened her own business selling them. Hallmark sent it's first postcard in 1910 and grew to be the global industry titan we think of now. Today, many Americans still exchange store-bought valentines with loved ones on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day Traditions St. Valentine's Day is a special day to honor love. It is a day when many people celebrate love. Depending on one's tradition, a birthday can be a time to give and receive gifts, celebrate with a special meal, or have a leisurely celebration. There are many different traditions that people follow on Valentine's Day. Some of these traditions are specific to certain cultures or countries, while others are more common. One common tradition in many parts of the world is giving flowers to loved ones. Roses are often given on Valentine's Day, as they are seen as a symbol of love. Another tradition is giving chocolates, which are also seen as a symbol of love and appreciation. In some cultures, exchanging heartfelt letters on Valentine's Day is traditional. This is a practical gesture and can effectively let someone know you care about them. Regardless of the traditions you follow on Valentine's Day; the most important thing is to spend time with those you love. How to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Denver If you're in Denver, you're in luck-the city offers plenty of unique and romantic ways to celebrate the holiday. From romantic dinners and special events to outdoor activities and unique gifts, this guide to Valentine's Day celebrations in Denver has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an intimate escape with your beloved or a fun-filled day with your best friends, Denver has something to offer. Just remember to bring your heart because the Mile High City will show you Valentine's Day you won't soon forget. If you're in a relationship: Take your sweetheart on a romantic dinner date. Some popular places to dine out on Valentine's Day include Ruth's Chris Steak House, Elway's, and Mizu. Some of our favorite restaurants are offering prix fixe menus for the Special Day Babes Tea Room Babes Tea Room is offering a Valentine's Day Afternoon tea on February 14. Priced at $45 per person and gluten-free/vegan and $29 for children. Including an assortment of savory tea sandwiches, miniature scones served with jam, homemade lemon curd, and Devonshire Cream, Scottish shortbread, homemade Hugs & Kisses-themed petit fours, and a French macaron. Includes unlimited tea tasting. Red Square Euro Bistro Red Square Euro Bistro is offering a Valentine's Day 3-course prix-fixe dinner menu on February 14. Priced at $70 per person. The menu will feature some of our most favorite items, as well as dishes created especially for the occasion. Duo Restaurant Duo Restaurant is offering a Valentine's Day Denver 2023 special 3-course dinner menu on February 14. Priced at $90 per person. Briar Common Brewery Briar Common Brewery is offering a Valentine's Day Denver 2023 menu built for two on February 14. Priced at $60 per person. More into activities than food? Denver is offering lots of activities for the couples or friends looking for something fun to do! You could spend evening strolling or biking through Washington Park or Confluence Park. Check out Greenwood Village Tavern before hitting a comedy club like Comedy Works or Voodoo Comedy Playhouse. For daytime; spend the day at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. You can picnic on the lawn while enjoying the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. If you want to relax and enjoy quality time together, spend the Day at one of Denver's spas or go for a couples massage. Some of our favorites this year include: Loveland's Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding WHEN: Feb. 14, 2023 WHERE: The Budweiser Event Center, Loveland 2023 brings a once in a lifetime opportunity to get married on the ice at The Budweiser Event Center prior to an Eagles hockey game! Experience a romantic ceremony with music you vote on, a customized ceremony, keepsake photos, a lock couples can use to "Lock their love" on the famous LOVE or HEART sculptures in Loveland, gift bags, signature wedding cupcakes, and a chance to win a huge gift basket. What an original way to celebrate your love on Valentine's Day! Puppy Love Dog Caricatures at The Maven Hotel WHEN: Feb. 17, 2023 WHERE: The Maven Hotel The Maven Hotel is offering free Puppy Love Dog Caricatures in the hotel lobby from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. this Friday! Love Bites: A Valentine's Haunted House WHEN: Feb. 17-19, 2023 WHERE: 3400 E. 52nd Ave. 13th Floor Denver is getting a Valentine's makeover! Horrific vampires stalk you in the dark. Terrifying monsters lurk around every corner. Love Bites is the perfect experience to spice up this Valentine's weekend. Whether you want to ditch the same old dinner and a movie date, observe Singles Awareness Day, or celebrate with your Galentines, 13th Floor Denver is sure to get your heart pumping. All blood types are welcome. Lovin' on the Block HE[ART] Installation WHEN: Thru Feb. 28, 2023 WHERE: Dairy Block Alley Snap a selfie and steal a smooch at the Lovin' on the Block HE[ART] Installation. Created by Sky Armstrong of Denver's RLY RLY Studio, this sweet and colorful art piece will feature large-scale sculptures of favorite childhood Valentine's candy, including conversation hearts, lollipops and candy necklaces. It will be displayed in the Alley the entire month of February. If you're looking for a unique and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, look no further than Denver. With its stunning mountain views and numerous outdoor activities, Denver is the perfect place to escape everyday stress and spend quality time with your loved ones. From enjoying a romantic dinner at one of Denver's many fine restaurants to going on a scenic hike or ski trip, there are endless ways to remember this Valentine's Day.
Happy St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day, a globally renowned holiday celebrated every 17th March, honors Ireland's patron saint and rich culture. Festivities are held worldwide, including Denver! This article delves into the holiday's history and traditions while sharing some exciting things to do in Denver to celebrate the holiday. The Origin of St. Patrick's Day The story behind St. Patrick's Day goes all the way back to the beginning of the 1600s when it was officially marked as a religious holiday in memory of St. Patrick, the beloved Irish patron saint. St. Patrick hailed from Britain, born in the late 4th century. At the young age of 16, Irish raiders abducted him and forced him into slavery on Irish land. St. Patrick served as a shepherd, and in that season of solitude, he discovered solace and contentment in the Christian faith. Six years into his captivity, St. Patrick managed to flee and journey back to his homeland, Britain. There, he was welcomed as a priest, but he sensed divine guidance to retrace his steps to Ireland and spread the Christian message among the Irish. As a result, he dedicated the rest of his days to exploring Ireland, delivering sermons, and administering baptism to those who had embraced the faith. Folklore has it that he employed the shamrock as a symbol to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day was initially a serious religious event in Ireland, where people attended church and avoided alcohol. The festival only became more lively and secular as the Irish diaspora brought Irish culture all over the world. Nowadays, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated as a day of merriment and rejoicing with festivals, parades, and various activities that feature Irish cuisine, music, and dance. One of the most well-known symbols of St. Patrick's Day is the color green. The custom comes from the verdant hills and landscapes of Ireland, and it is now a widespread emblem of this festive occasion. Additionally, many individuals don green clothes or accessories during this holiday, and a few even choose to dye their hair or beards green. Things to Do in Denver for St. Patrick's Day Denver, Colorado, is an excellent locale for reveling in the excitement of St. Patrick's Day. With a sizable Irish-American community, a host of engaging events and activities await. Check out these top-notch ideas for celebrating the holiday in the Mile High City: 1. Attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade The Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade is a highly anticipated event, attracting a massive crowd year after year. It celebrates the rich Irish heritage with a vibrant display of performers, including marching bands, floats, dancers, and other performers, filling the streets with music and excitement. The route of the parade meanders through downtown Denver from the intersection of 19th and Wynkoop streets, culminating at 27th and Blake streets. People can relish in a spectacle of bagpipe musicians, Irish dancers, vintage vehicles, and sensational floats. A notable aspect of the parade is the Grand Marshal, who spearheads the procession each year. This coveted role usually falls on an esteemed member of the Irish-American community in Denver, recognized for their enormous contributions to the city and commitment to preserving the cherished Irish traditions. 2. Visit Irish Pubs and Bars To fully embrace the spirit of St. Patrick's Day in Denver, a visit to the Irish pubs and bars is a must. These establishments harmoniously fuse Irish charm and American vibes, providing an excellent setting for holiday celebrations. One of the main highlights of these establishments is the live music, with many of the best Irish pubs in Denver showcasing traditional Irish melodies. Guests are treated to musicians strumming fiddles, flutes, and other instruments, creating a lively and captivating atmosphere. These performances often include sing-alongs, dancing and other engaging elements, giving revelers a fantastic way to truly enjoy St. Patrick's Day. Of course, no visit to an Irish pub would be complete without trying some traditional Irish food and drink. Many Irish pubs and bars in Denver offer classic dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips, along with a wide selection of Irish beers and whiskeys. Whether you're a fan of dark stouts, light lagers, or something in between, there's sure to be a drink that suits your taste. Irish pubs and bars are more than just tunes and grub; they provide a strong sense of camaraderie and community. Whether celebrating with new friends or old, the vibe is hospitable and welcoming as everyone joins in on the festivities. Denver boasts some of the top Irish hangouts, such as The Irish Snug, renowned for its snug setting and vast assortment of Irish whiskeys. Nallen's Irish Pub, a 25-year-old Denver mainstay with nightly live music and The Celtic on Market, offers a contemporary spin on classic Irish pubbing. All in all, visiting Irish pubs and bars is a must-do activity when celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Denver. With live music, delicious food and drink, and a sense of community and camaraderie, these establishments offer a unique and festive way to enjoy the holiday. So grab a pint, pull up a stool, and raise a toast to St. Patrick and the Irish heritage that is celebrated throughout the city. 3. Attend a Concert Attending a St. Patrick's Day event in Denver is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the vibrant musical history of Ireland. Regardless of whether you prefer traditional Irish melodies or more modern renditions, there is an abundance of talented musicians to listen to during this festive occasion. An advantage of attending St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Denver is the opportunity to experience live performances by hometown bands and musicians, showcasing classic Irish melodies. The artists integrate traditional Irish instruments such as the uilleann pipes, the bodhrán, and the fiddle, resulting in an authentic and unique sound. Attending such events is an ideal way to gain more insight into Irish culture and its history through the lens of music. Apart from exhibiting local talent, the St. Patrick's Day shows in Denver feature global artists who present their unique interpretations of Irish music. These musicians frequently blend traditional Irish melodies with various music genres, such as rock, pop, or hip-hop, creating an inventive and electrifying spectacle that caters to a broad range of audiences. In essence, attending a Denver St. Patrick's Day gig provides an excellent opportunity not only to revel in music but also to commemorate the holiday with like-minded music enthusiasts. The spirit of camaraderie and elation generated during these performances is contagious, and it's effortless to soak up the buzz and exhilaration of the crowd. So, gather your pals, don your emerald attire, and prepare to rejoice in style, embracing some of Denver's best musical talents and groups. Let Downing Street Group Be Your Lucky Charm in Denver Real Estate From parades to concerts and Irish pubs to cultural activities, there's something for everyone in Denver. And if you're looking to buy or sell a home in Denver, look no further than Downing Street Group - your trusted real estate advisor. With our precise knowledge, distinguished care, and a bit of fun, we'll guide you through the home-buying or selling journey seamlessly. After all, our passion is exceeding client expectations, and we always go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services. So, cheers to a happy St. Patrick's Day, and let Downing Street Group help you find your pot of gold in the Denver real estate market!
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