In a country that is renowned for its affection and devotion to the saints, there is one who seems to have lost out on that loving feeling. Prayers may frequently be cast heavenward to the Saint of Sore Throats (San Blas), Saint of Storms (Santa Barbara) or Impossible Miracles (Saint Rita) but Saint Valentine, the Patron Saint of Lovers, remains almost totally overlooked. Much to the disappointment of Spanish superstores, who would like to follow the example of their counterparts in Northern Europe and the United States, February 14 is noticed only by incurable romantics. While i gather Woolworths were advertising cards 2 for the price of one, even the most popular of Spanish senoritas will have been lucky to get more than a couple of cards from admirers in her entire life. The tradition of sending cards i beleive dates back to the Roman Empire, however here the only celebrations are from English owned restaurants charging double for the price of a meal with a rose,english owned shops with imported expensive cards and chocolates! you wont see heart shaped balloons in this spanish town. Who needs to have an excuse to dine out anyway, my hsuband and i can get a three course meal including drinks for less than 10 euros each, so everyday can be a Saint Valentines for me ( the spanish way)