Valentine’s Day might be all about chocolates, roses, and candlelit dinners for some, but love isn’t a one-size-fits-all celebration. Around the world, different cultures have put their own spin on February 14th (or, in some cases, entirely different dates). Let’s look at these 12 Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world and see how love is celebrated in more ways than one:
Denmark: Snowdrops and Secret Admirers
Photo by Ire Photocreative on UnsplashForget red roses, Denmark does Valentine’s Day differently. Lovers exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops, a more delicate alternative to traditional flower bouquets. But that’s not the only twist; Danish men also send “gaekkebrev”, or anonymous love letters, filled with playful rhymes and signed only with dots. If the recipient correctly guesses who sent it, they get a chocolate egg later in the spring. It’s almost like a romantic scavenger hunt.
South Korea: Love, but Make It a Trilogy
Photo by Becca Tapert on UnsplashWhy limit love to just one day when you can stretch it into three? In South Korea, romance is a three-part celebration. On February 14th, it’s the women who shower men with chocolates. Exactly a month later, on March 14th (White Day), men return the favor with gifts for the women. And then there’s April 14th, also known as Black Day, which is dedicated to single people who didn’t receive any gifts. They gather to eat jjajangmyeon, a dish of black bean noodles and wallow in solidarity. Self-love and carbs? Say less.
Ecuador: Love Serenades Under the Stars
Photo by Sigmund on UnsplashEcuadorian romance comes with a musical twist. On Valentine’s Day, men serenade their lovers outside their homes, adding a dramatic and old-school romantic touch to the celebration. Imagine waking up to a live love song beneath your window!
Japan: Chocolate Comes with a Catch
Photo by Egor Lyfar on UnsplashIn Japan, women take the lead on Valentine’s Day, gifting chocolates to men. But there’s a twist cause there are two types of chocolates: giri-choco (obligation chocolate) for male friends and colleagues, and honmei-choco (true feeling chocolate) for actual love interests. But don’t worry, men aren’t off the hook. On March 14th (White Day), they return the favor with white chocolate, candy, or even jewelry. Yes, they also celebrate this day in Japan, as well as Taiwan and China.
Brazil: Valentine’s Day… But Make It June
Photo by Alekon pictures on UnsplashWhile most of the world celebrates love in February, Brazil saves the romance for June 12th, also known as “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day). The date is no coincidence because it’s the eve of St. Anthony’s Day, a Catholic celebration honoring the patron saint of marriage. Couples exchange gifts, cities host parades, and many engagements take place. Meanwhile, February 14th? Just another day in Brazil.
Germany: When Pigs and Love Collide
Photo by Phill Brown on UnsplashIn Germany, pigs are a big deal on Valentine's Day. And no, not as a meal, but rather as a symbol of luck and passion. German couples exchange pig-themed gifts like figurines, plush toys, or even chocolate pigs as a nod to good fortune and desire. On top of that, Germans also enjoy giant heart-shaped ginger cookies with romantic messages written in icing.
South Africa: Wear Your Heart (Literally) on Your Sleeve
Photo by Jon Tyson on UnsplashLove isn’t exactly a secret in South Africa, where some people take Valentine’s Day very literally by pinning the name of their crush to their sleeve. This tradition is inspired by the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, which had similar customs.
Ghana: National Chocolate Day
Photo by Nathana Rebouças on UnsplashIf you love chocolate (and who doesn’t?), Ghana might just have the best Valentine’s Day tradition out there. As one of the world's largest cocoa producers, Ghana has transformed February 14th into National Chocolate Day. Chocolate tastings, festivals, and events are held nationwide, making it a sweet day for everyone, whether they’re in love or just really love chocolate.
Colombia: Amor y Amistad in September
Photo by Christine Sandu on UnsplashForget February. Colombia celebrates “Día de Amor y Amistad” (Day of Love and Friendship) on the third Saturday of September. This day isn't just for couples, it’s also about appreciating friends. People exchange gifts, play "Amigo Secreto" (Secret Friend, similar to Secret Santa), and toast to love and friendship with aguardiente or beer.
Peru: Orchids and Carnaval Romance
Photo by Jon-Ade Holter on UnsplashIn Peru, Valentine's Day coincides with Carnaval, so the celebrations are big, colorful, and loud. Instead of roses, Peruvians give native orchids, a nod to the country's diverse flora. Large festivals, romantic getaways, and even mass weddings are all part of the mix as well.
Argentina: Two Chances to Celebrate Love
Photo by Etienne Girardet on UnsplashIf one day isn’t enough, Argentina has you covered. In addition to traditional Valentine's Day in February, Argentinians celebrate “Semana de la Dulzura” (Week of Sweetness) in July. The deal? People exchange sweets for kisses. This was a marketing campaign that became so popular, it turned into a yearly tradition.
Bolivia: Love Blooms in Spring
Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on UnsplashBolivians tie their romantic celebrations to spring instead of winter. September 21st marks “Día del Estudiante, de la Juventud, de la Primavera y el Amor” (Student, Youth, Spring, and Love Day). It’s a time for couples to exchange gifts, celebrate new beginnings, and express affection in a way that feels much more seasonal for the Southern Hemisphere.
