Valentine’s Day holds a special place on the Arizona calendar, as the international day of (commercial) love falls on the same day as our statehood, Feb. 14, 1912.
Many draw the origins of Valentine’s Day back to the ides of February, or Feb. 15, when the ancient Romans celebrated Februalia, a festival of fertility and purification. Others look to the Christian St. Valentine, patron saint of love, partnership (and beekeepers).
Today, the ritual is more of a struggle to get past the entrance of the grocery store without an inundation of heart balloons, pop-up cards and boxes of chocolates.
If you’re looking for something less cutesy to celebrate your own Februalia, Valentine or Galentine’s Day, The Show staff has a few ideas:
Mood Room @ Rocking S Ranch
Feb. 6, 6-9 p.m.
Art imitates love as much as love imitates art … or is it life? The Mood Room is an exhibition of new work by Valley artists you’ve heard on The Show, including Jen Urso, Erika Lynne Hanson, Patricia Sannit and more at Rocking S Art Ranch in central Phoenix. Catch many of the artists (and perhaps snag an early Valentine’s Day gift) at the opening reception.
Black Love: The Exhale @ Desert Botanical Gardens
Feb. 7, 6:30-9 p.m.
Hear Black storytellers share their everyday and lifelong experiences of Black love as Black history in a setting that would make St. Valentine and the beekeepers swoon. Speakers include Angelique and Joe Kane, Allie Kay, Laci Lester, Edward and Brandy Labinjo, and Dr. Amina Simmons and Markeise Collins.
Flash tattoos at Copper State and Golden Rule
Feb. 13, all day
On Friday the 13th, tattoo shops across the Valley will host traditional flash tattoo events with pre-drawn designs by local artists. Spontaneous (like love) and permanent (like some love), a flash tattoo might be just the way to proclaim your love … for anything.
Love on the Vine @ Dorrance DOME at the Arizona Science Center
Feb. 14, 4:30-6 p.m.
Looking for an immersive pairing? Head to the Dorrance DOME at the Arizona Science Center. Wine from Queen of Cups Wines (Patagonia), Deep Sky Vineyard (Sonoita) and Omphalos Winery (Willcox) will be poured alongside snacks under 360-degree projections of Arizona vineyards and landscapes.
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