When it comes to Valentine’s Day, many thoughts and plans automatically drift towards flowers, chocolates, dinner dates, and the colour red. In countries like India, gift shops are filled with red balloons and cards in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day across the world celebrates love; however, some countries celebrate love in more extravagant ways than others.
France
What better way to start off the roster than with the country of love? France undoubtedly has the most beautiful Valentine’s Day celebrations across the globe.
The day of love is synonymous with the French countryside as the first Valentine’s Day card is thought to have originated from France in 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love notes to his wife from prison. Between February 12 and 14, the French village of Valentine becomes the epicenter of romance.
Beautiful yards, trees, and residences are covered with cards and roses.
Argentina
In Argentina, Valentine’s Day is observed for a whole week in July, known as “Semana de la Dulzura”, or “week of sweetness”. It’s the day when lovers give and receive kisses, chocolates, and other delicacies. The holiday began as a commercial venture, but it has since evolved into a Valentine’s Day tradition.
Bulgaria
This country has its own version of Valentine’s Day. Bulgaria celebrates the 14th day of February as the “day of winemakers”. Over a glass of local wine, couples toast their love for one another.
South Korea
In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated every month. On May 14, it is the day of Roses, and June 14 is the day of kisses. On December 14, it is the day of hugs. Single people celebrate the “black day” on April 14 by eating black noodles.
South Africa
To show their love in South Africa, women pin their lovers’ names on their sleeves. Very few men, however, follow this custom, though a few do significantly.
Philippines
In the Philippines, many couples get married on Valentine’s Day in a government-sponsored event. This is a gala event in the country and one of the most magnificent Valentine’s celebrations around the world.
Ghana
February 14th is observed as “National Chocolate Day” in Ghana. It’s one of the world’s top cocoa-producing countries. So, the government decided to dedicate the day to chocolate to boost tourism.
China
Women in Miao, southwest China, prepare a variety of coloured rice dishes to serve to male suitors. The women hide various trinkets inside the rice to communicate a message.
Wales
Here, couples celebrate their own version of Valentine’s Day on January 25. Known as the ‘day of San Dwynwen’, couples give each other elegant handcrafted wooden spoons.
Spain
In Valencia, Spain, Valentine’s Day is on October 9, when the feast of Saint Dionysus is celebrated. In most parts of Spain, the event is commemorated with men creating a marzipan figurine known as ‘macadora’ to give to their female companions.
Denmark
The country celebrates Valentine’s Day on February 14 in a unique way. Handmade cards with pressed white flowers, called snowdrops, are exchanged between friends and lovers on this day.
Estonia
Here, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about celebrating romantic love. Estonia celebrates love for all on a day known as ‘Sobrapaev’. The day entails celebrating love not just for one’s significant other, but also for family and friends.
Japan
In another unique Valentine’s Day celebration, in Japan, men are the ones who receive gifts from women. They have the option to return the love on March 14, which is known as White Day.
Romania
The day is celebrated on February 24 and is a mash-up of Valentine’s Day and the celebration of spring. Many couples get engaged, and young men and women also travel to the trees to collect bright flowers, while other couples wash their cheeks with snow as a good luck symbol.
Czech Republic
Observed on May 1, couples go on a pilgrimage to poet Karol Hynek Macha’s statue and kiss under the cherry trees for good luck.
Brazil
A festival called ‘Dia dos Namorados’, also known as ‘Lovers Day’, is celebrated. Chocolates, cards, and flowers are commonly exchanged, and music festivals and dancing performances are held.
