Almost everyone swoons over a good love story, but the history of Valentine’s Day is, well, not quite that. We all know February 14 as a day of gift-giving, sweet treats, and romantic dinners. Maybe you also grew up making Valentine’s Day crafts with your family or baking cookies for the class. Less familiar is why we celebrate the holiday of love in the first place. As with the history of Christmas, Valentine’s Day’s religious roots are sometimes side-lined in favour of more material interests. This holiday’s origin might stem from the ancient pagan festival of Lupercalia, which was a pastoral festival of Ancient Rome observed annually to purify the city, promoting health and fertility. The theory goes that as Romans turned away from their pagan beliefs and embraced Christianity, the holiday evolved into one honouring St. Valentine. Lupercalia was eventually outlawed at the end of the 5th century, right around the time Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day.

Here at The Somerset Lifestyle and Retirement Village in Somerset West, Western Province Caterers treated our residents to a delicious Valentine’s Day lunch. Have a look…

On this bright, sunny day our residents enjoyed the time together. After all, Valentine’s Day is a day celebrated to show love and appreciation to the people you care about.

The restaurant at the clubhouse is available to residents and their guests for meals. Residents can enjoy a set 3-course menu, order from the á la carte menu, or purchase beverages from the bar or restaurant. To find out more about The Somerset in Somerset West, click here.