Valentine’s Day is coming, and stores are flooded with heart-shaped candies, chocolates, and balloons. But love is not celebrated in the same way everywhere: while in India, for example, couples give each other gifts, in Bulgaria it’s celebrated over a glass of wine. Valentine’s Day celebrations take place in different ways around the world, reflecting local ideas about love.
In the following, we will present some unique and interesting Valentine’s Day traditions.
Argentina: a week of sweets
Argentines do not celebrate Valentine’s Day in February, but in July, during the “week of sweets”. Lovers exchange kisses and give each other chocolates and other sweets.
France: full of romance
It is believed that the first Valentine’s Day greeting card came from France, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from prison in 1415. On this day, the village of Valentine celebrates love in a spectacular setting: the courtyards, the trees, practically everything is filled with roses and sparkling decorations. This is probably the most beautiful Valentine’s Day in the world.
South Korea: a monthly celebration of love
In South Korea, the day of love is celebrated on the 14th of every month, and it was given a different name each month: “Rose Day” in May, “Kiss Day” in June, “Hug Day” in December, to name just a few. Even singles have their own holiday: they celebrate “Black Day” in April, when they eat black pasta.
Philippines: mass marriage
On Valentine’s Day in the Philippines, many young couples swear their eternal fidelity to each other at a government-sponsored event. If you don’t mind not being the only bride that day, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate love.
Ghana: National Chocolate Day
In Ghana, February 14 is celebrated as “National Chocolate Day”. The Ghanaian government declared this day “Chocolate Day” in 2007 to boost tourism in the country, as Ghana is one of the world’s largest cocoa-producing countries. On February 14th, people attend thematic performances and musical programs, where everything is about chocolate.
Bulgaria: Winemakers’ Day
On February 14th, Bulgarians celebrate San Trifon Zartan, “the winemakers’ day”. Young and old couples celebrate their love over a glass of wonderful local wine.
Wales: San Dwynwen’s Day
In Wales, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on January 25th and is called “San Dwynwen’s Day”. On this day, lovers exchange unique and beautiful handcrafted wooden spoons.
Spain: Saint Dionysus’ Day
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Valencia on October 9th and is known as the Feast of Saint Dionysus. In most parts of Spain, the festival is celebrated by making “macadora”, a marzipan figurine. The figurines are made by men and given as gifts to their loved ones.
Denmark: a day of love
Denmark celebrates the day of love and romance on February 14th. Valentine’s Day gift-giving is not limited to roses and sweets: friends and lovers exchange handmade cards with pressed white flowers called snowdrops.
Estonia: a day of friendship
Estonia celebrates “Friendship Day” known as Sobrapaev on February 14th. The cheerful festival atmosphere affects everyone, and it’s not just couples who celebrate: friends and family members also give each other gifts and celebrate love.
Italy: a spring festival
Originally, Italians celebrated spring on Valentine’s Day, the birth of spring. There was a related tradition that young women would wake up before dawn to “spot” their future husbands. Today, Italian lovers also celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts and a romantic dinner.