How is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world?

Valentine’s Day leaves no one indifferent and is deeply rooted in our customs. What about the world? Are the roses in the spotlight everywhere on February 14? Traditions on this day vary from country to country. This is how the lovers’ day is celebrated across the world.

Valentine’s Day in the USA: a $ 20 billion business

Americans spend $ 20 billion each year on candy, cards, chocolates, flowers, and jewelry. Greeting cards are the most common gift, but not only among couples. Parents, friends and students also treat each other with cards containing little words of friendship, affection and appreciation.

Valentine’s Day in Japan: women give gifts

The blossoming of Valentine’s Day dates back to the aftermath of World War II when confectionery manufacturers had the idea of making February 14 a day when women gave out chocolates. Half a century later, the tradition is well established. Millions of Japanese women offer pralines or ganaches on Valentine’s Day as a sign of affection, friendship or professional respect, with very specific codes. The “giri-choko”, obligatory chocolates, are reserved for colleagues and bosses. Premium quality “honmi-choko” chocolates are a sign of “true love”.

Valentine’s Day in Korea: party as a couple and also single

There is also the Japanese custom described above. But in this country there is also a Singles Day, celebrated on April 14. It’s called the Black Day, because singles get together to eat black noodles!

Valentine’s Day in the Philippines: we kiss at midnight

As in many other countries, flowers and chocolates are the favorite gifts of all lovers. The most famous event in the Philippines for Valentine’s Day is “dovapalooza”. Thousands of couples meet on the shores of Manila Bay, and at midnight all of these couples kiss and keep their lips together for several seconds. In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is also an opportunity for many couples to get married for free by taking advantage of “mass weddings” organized by some churches and government agencies.

Valentine’s Day in Denmark: Easter Day

We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, but at Easter. This festival is celebrated in the form of a game: the Gaekkebrev (the good letters). The goal is simple: people who wish to write a love letter to the person of their choice, but to sign this card, they put a dot per letter of their first name. The person who receives the card must guess who sent it and if they find it, they receive an Easter egg!

Valentine’s Day in Thailand: getting married

Valentine’s Day is a very important holiday for the locals. The symbolic red rose is set aside for an adorable teddy bear. It is not uncommon to see several couples getting married on this day, a lucky day according to Thai people. Bang-Rak, a district of Bangkok, whose name can be translated as “the district of love” sees many couples parade on February 14. Some do not hesitate to stand in line to formalize their union. Singles go to the temple to pray Trimurati to find love.

Valentine’s Day in Brazil: in June!

As in Colombia and Mexico, we do not celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. Brazilians follow the Portuguese tradition by celebrating St Anthony of Padua, patron saint and protector of souls who love one another. It is therefore on June 12, “Lovers’ Day”, that Brazilians declare their love by giving each other little attentions. In Brazil, lovers’ day is one more occasion to party!

In China: Chinese Valentine’s Day

Chinese Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Also known as the Qixi Festival (“Evening of the Festival of Seven”), this unique celebration of love is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and is based on the romantic legend of Zhinu and Niulang. On this famous night, the women of each house who are single or newlyweds, go out into the courtyard to hang a garland of flowers. They then make an offering to the fairy and her husband, consisting of fruits, flowers, tea and rice powder.

Valentine’s Day in Vietnam: the longest kiss

For Valentine’s Day, the small town of Hai Phong came up with the idea of hosting the longest kiss contest. Every year, around 100 participants come to the Viêt-Tiep Cultural and Friendship Palace to compete for the coveted title. “Ngày Gần Tinh Nhan” is a relatively recent celebration in Vietnam. Tradition has it that it is men who offer their beloved a bouquet of roses.

Valentine’s Day in India: the family above all!

Love being quite secret and especially forbidden before marriage in India, Valentine’s Day does not have the same meaning. While the younger generations are beginning to dare to celebrate this romantic holiday as a couple, many Indians generally spend Valentine’s Day with their families. Valentine’s Day is seen more as a convivial moment with the people you love, than a commercial celebration as it is known in many other countries.

Do you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in one of these countries? Consider taking out travel insurance to fully enjoy your stay with your other half!
Happy Valentine’s day !