Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Holiday Inn Main Gate East

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is the mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day-and its patron saint-is shrouded in mystery. But do we know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of who were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men-his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-spending holiday of the year. Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the middle Ages (written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine’s Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures know as “scrap”.

Want to do something special for your loved one? Holiday Inn Main Gate East is currently offering a Romantic Getaway Package. The package includes a 3 day, 2 night stay in a deluxe room, with full American breakfast for two persons each morning, Chocolates, Flowers, Balloons in your room upon arrival and a bottle of Champaign. Package prices start at $169 plus tax and resort fee. This romantic package has been one of the favorites so book today and put a smile on the face of that special someone.

Holiday Inn Main Gate East located just 2.5 miles from the Walt Disney World® Resort and offers 444 spacious rooms each with a private furnished balcony. All rooms boost colorful and stylish triple-sheeted beds, granite countertops and high speed internet. Enjoy the large outdoor swimming pool, relax in the hot tub or visit Chianti’s lobby lounge which offers indoor and poolside seating. The hotel offers complimentary scheduled transportation to the Walt Disney theme parks and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet stores. For reservations please call 800.327.1128 or book on line at www.holidayinnmge.com.

The romantic getaway package is one of the most popular. Make your reservations today and put a smile on the face of that special someone. Holiday Inn Maingate Valentine Packages