Celebrating Valentine's Day Around The World

Valentine’s Day is a worldwide holiday of love that many people celebrate. Many countries celebrate the holiday with unique and culturally different traditions.

Photo from Wander & Wonder

Brazil

Rather than celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14th, Brazil celebrates the holiday on June 12th. They call it “Dia dos Namorados,” which means Lovers’ Day. The date is a tribute to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage. Saint Anthony’s Day is the following day. Their traditions to celebrate are similar to the ones around the world, celebrating love and gifting presents.

South Korea

Instead of celebrating one day a year, South Korea celebrates on the 14th of each month. The day is used for different occasions. For example, on February 14th, women give men gifts to show their love and appreciation. A month later, on March 14th, men give gifts in return to women on White Day. South Korea even has a day for single people called Black Day. This is celebrated a month after White Day, on April 14th.

Wales

Wales celebrates St. Dwynwen’s Day on January 25th. People exchange gifts and cards, have meals with loved ones, and spend time with people they love. Some people carve love spoons with symbols and give them as a token of love. 

Argentina 

In Argentina, Valentine’s Day is not only celebrated on February 14th but also for a week in July. The week is called “Semana de la Dulzura,” meaning Sweetness Week. This Argentine tradition began due to a marketing campaign with the slogan “a candy for a kiss.” The main objective was to promote the candy, but the week was so successful that it remained an Argentine tradition.

South Africa

Valentine’s Day in South Africa is celebrated on February 15th to honor the Roman festival Lupercalia. South Africans celebrate the holiday by pinning paper hearts with the name of their loved ones on their sleeves. This is a tradition that’s filled with hope that the person they admire will notice and share similar feelings.

Mexico

Valentine's Day in Mexico is also known as “Día del amor y la amistad,” which means the Day of Love and Friendship. Many people, young and old, celebrate this day with friends and family by having big gatherings. The city goes all out, decorating with red and pink balloons, flowers, and banners. 

Every country around the world celebrates this day differently with unique meanings. This holiday isn’t only about receiving candy or cards, but cultural traditions that have been around for decades.