This One Strange Maine Tradition Is A Complete Mystery But It’s Awesome Anyway
By Michelle|Published November 04, 2018
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Mainers have a lot of love for Maine. It’s why so many people eventually return after leaving and it’s why you’ll always know a Mainer out-of-state by listening to them talk about their home state. Over and over and over again. It’s the loving nature of Mainers that makes one annual tradition seem not to crazy after all.
For the last 41 years, Portland has woken up to a beautiful surprise on the morning of February 14th.
Beginning in the dead of night on the 13th and working until the early morning light the "Valentine Phantom" canvasses the town, covering it in simple red hearts on white paper.
What is certain is that this "phantom" is actually a group of people working together to make sure that at least one day each year, the city wakes up feeling a little bit more loved.
In 2017, they managed to make their way across a dark Casco Bay and hang a heart flag on Fort Gorges - an achievement that hadn't been seen since 1986.
But, it's the simple tape jobs that feel the most special. The small gesture of love posted on an electrical box or a light post reminding Mainers that love exists all around them.
The tradition began in 1976, before Portland was the travel and tourism destination it is today. The country was reeling from the Vietnam War and the mood across the country was dismal.
Have you woken up to the Valentine Phantom's hearts on your home or office? Tell us about it in the comments! What's the most unique or impressive place you've seen a heart?
For a little more Maine appreciation, check out these 12 hilarious jokes you’ll only understand if you’re from Vacationland.
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