The picturesque medieval town of Chelmno, north Poland, recently re-branded itself “city of the enamoured” following the rediscovery of a relic of St. Valentine, and to cash in on the new fashion in Poland for celebrating 14 February as the day especially dedicated to lovers.

The St Valentine’s relic, which was placed in a silver reliquary during the early 17th century by local noblewoman Jadwiga Dzialynska, is now the focus of a celebratory mass on 14 February.

The town itself plays host to a cheery, Valentine-themed festival, with prizes for the most beautiful window displays and concerts on the square. The event culminates in the creation of a colossal red heart, made from lanterns laid on the square.

Meanwhile, the nearby village of Kielp boasts what is probably the oldest wayside shrine in Poland devoted to St. Valentine. The shrine was raised over 150 years ago in the wake of a cholera epidemic (Valentine has for centuries been the patron saint who protects those suffering from the disease).

Following a renewal of interest in the shrine, villagers have considered building on the theme and expanding the range of attractions for wistful-eyed young romantics

The celebration of St. Valentine's Day is a relative novelty in Poland and not practised prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain. However, unlike Halloween, which clashes with the more sombre All Saints Day, Valentine's has been embraced with relish by thousands of Poles across the country.

February 14th has become a bumper day for florists, confectioners and stationers, likewise for hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, which offer countless Valentine promotions. (nh/pg)