Last Updated on April 16, 2021
When we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time in 2009, there were no love locks. This time around, we noticed hundreds of padlocks ceremoniously hooked on the bridge. The trend has gained momentum since first starting here in 2011, after immigrating from Europe, where this has long since been a tradition. This grand romantic gesture has been very popular in Italy for years, when a book by Federico Moccia, Ho Voglia di Te, featured a couple locking their love padlock onto a bridge in Florence and throwing the key into the water, thus locking their love forever.
The first time we noticed them was in Cinque Terre, when we walked the Via dell ‘amore (The Path Of Love) between the picturesque coastal villages of Monterosso and Manarola. Now bridges from Cologne to Prague to Paris, and even as far as China and Taiwan, are locked with love. We even stumbled across an entire fountain covered in love padlocks in Montevideo, Uruguay a couple of months ago.
We might just add a lock of our own to the Brooklyn Bridge, a symbol of our love, love of New York and this incredible spring, so look out for a lock with our names on it next time you’re in the Big Apple.
Chanel @ La Viajera Morena
Sunday 7th of July 2013
I have walked across the bridge a couple of times and I never noticed them! I love seeing new things around my city :D
Dani
Wednesday 10th of July 2013
We were surprised when we saw them - but they all seem to be pretty new still. We've been told there are lots of love locks in Berlin, too, but so far, we haven't spotted any.
Scott
Thursday 6th of June 2013
For some reason, I just can't get on board with this trend, I don't know why. Maybe it's that everywhere I go that has them, someone seems to make a comment as if they are unique to that area, which we all know isn't true. Crazy how things can spread, isn't it? Great picture!
Dani
Sunday 9th of June 2013
Oh, I actually like it! We watched some couples locking a padlock and kissing and throwing the key in the water and thought how cute this ritual was! As long as they don't set up padlock sales stands along the bitch and commercialize it, I am fine with this trend ;-)