Countries That Celebrate Valentines Day Love Around the World

Valentine’s Day is a universally celebrated holiday that brings people together to express their love and affection for one another. While it is commonly associated with romantic love, the customs and traditions surrounding Valentine’s Day vary across different countries. From Argentina’s Sweetness Week to China’s Qixi Festival, let’s take a look at how love is celebrated around the world on this special day.

countries that celebrate valentine's day

Key Takeaways:

  • Countries around the world have their own unique traditions and customs for celebrating Valentine’s Day.
  • Argentina celebrates “Sweetness Week” in July, where lovers and friends exchange candies and kisses to express their love.
  • Brazil celebrates “Dia dos enamorados” on June 12 with gift exchanges and rituals to seek the blessings of Saint Anthony.
  • Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day as “San Trifon Zarezan” or “winemakers’ day,” dedicated to celebrating the local wine culture.
  • Chile extends the Valentine’s Day celebrations as the “Day of Love and Friendship,” with traditional gifts and extravagant gestures.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Argentina

In Argentina, Valentine’s Day is not just limited to a single day but is celebrated as “Sweetness Week” in July. During this week-long celebration, lovers and friends exchange candies, kisses, and good cheer. It is a time of joy and merriment as people come together to express their love and affection.

Argentina’s Sweetness Week is a delightful and unique way to celebrate love and relationships. The tradition of exchanging candies and kisses creates a sweet atmosphere, filled with happiness and affection.

One of the highlights of Sweetness Week is the exchange of “alfajores,” a traditional Argentine pastry filled with dulce de leche. These delicious treats are often given as tokens of love and are enjoyed by couples and friends alike. The sweetness of the alfajores perfectly captures the spirit of the celebration.

During Sweetness Week, Argentina is adorned with vibrant decorations and romantic displays. The streets are filled with couples sharing intimate moments and friends expressing their appreciation for one another. It is a time to cherish and celebrate all forms of love.

Table: Symbols of Love in Argentina

SymbolMeaning
AlfajoresSweetness and affection
CandiesLove and happiness
KissesIntimacy and connection
DecorationsRomantic ambiance

Argentina’s Sweetness Week is a beautiful celebration that highlights the importance of love and connection in our lives. Whether it’s through the exchange of candies, kisses, or heartfelt gestures, this tradition reminds us to cherish and express our love to those who hold a special place in our hearts.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Brazil

Valentine’s Day in Brazil is celebrated on June 12 as “Dia dos enamorados” or “Lovers’ day.” It is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection for romantic partners through various gestures and traditions.

On Dia dos enamorados, couples exchange gifts, cards, and candy to show their love for each other. It is common to see streets and shops beautifully decorated with red hearts and roses, creating a romantic atmosphere.

One interesting tradition in Brazil is for single women to perform rituals to seek the blessings of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage. These rituals are believed to help find a potential partner. Women write the name of their crush on a piece of paper and keep it under their pillows, hoping to dream about their future spouse. This tradition adds an element of fun and excitement to the celebration.

Overall, Valentine’s Day in Brazil is a cherished holiday that brings couples together to celebrate love and for single individuals to hope for future love. It is a day filled with joy, romance, and expressions of affection.

Brazil Valentine's Day traditions

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day in a unique way, known as “San Trifon Zarezan” or “winemakers’ day.” This special day falls on February 14 and is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant wine culture of the country. Bulgarians come together to share a few glasses of wine, toast to love and happiness, and honor Saint Trifon, the patron saint of vineyards.

During the winemakers’ day festivities, wine cellars and local vineyards open their doors to visitors, offering wine tastings and traditional Bulgarian cuisine. It is a time of joy and celebration, with folk music and dancing adding to the festive atmosphere. Couples and friends gather to enjoy the rich flavors of Bulgarian wine and engage in heartfelt conversations.

As part of the winemakers’ day traditions, Bulgarians also exchange small gifts with their loved ones. These gifts often include wine-related items such as personalized wine bottles or wine accessories. It is a gesture of appreciation and a way to express affection on this special day.

Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria is a beautiful blend of wine, love, and cultural heritage. It is a time to honor the rich traditions of winemaking and to celebrate the joy of love in the company of friends and loved ones.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Bulgaria
DateFebruary 14
CelebrationSan Trifon Zarezan or winemakers’ day
Activities
  • Visiting wine cellars and vineyards
  • Wine tastings
  • Traditional Bulgarian cuisine
  • Music and dancing
  • Gift exchanges with wine-related items
SignificanceCelebrating the local wine culture and expressing love and happiness

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Chile

Chileans celebrate Valentine’s Day as the “Day of Love and Friendship,” extending the celebrations for about a week on either side of February 14. During this time, shops, malls, and streets are decorated with balloons and flowers. People exchange traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates, and cards, and some even go all out with lavish gestures like jewelry and surprise travel plans.

In Chile, the Day of Love and Friendship is not just limited to romantic partners but also extends to friends and family. It is a time to show appreciation and affection to loved ones, regardless of their relationship status. The celebration emphasizes the importance of love and friendship in Chilean society.

“Valentine’s Day is a special time in Chile when people come together to express their love and appreciation for one another. It is a beautiful celebration of love, friendship, and togetherness,” says Maria, a local resident.

Valentine’s Day Celebrations in Chile

  • Street Decorations: The streets of Chile are adorned with colorful decorations, balloons, and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the week.
  • Gift Exchanges: People exchange gifts like flowers, chocolates, and cards with their loved ones as a token of appreciation and affection.
  • Lavish Gestures: Some individuals go above and beyond by surprising their partners with extravagant gestures such as jewelry or surprise travel plans.
  • Family and Friend Celebrations: The Day of Love and Friendship in Chile extends beyond romantic relationships and includes showing love and appreciation to friends and family members.

Overall, Valentine’s Day in Chile is a time of joy, celebration, and expressing love and gratitude to those who are important in our lives.

Chilean Valentine’s Day TraditionsDescription
Street DecorationsThe streets of Chile are adorned with colorful decorations, balloons, and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the week.
Gift ExchangesPeople exchange gifts like flowers, chocolates, and cards with their loved ones as a token of appreciation and affection.
Lavish GesturesSome individuals go above and beyond by surprising their partners with extravagant gestures such as jewelry or surprise travel plans.
Family and Friend CelebrationsThe Day of Love and Friendship in Chile extends beyond romantic relationships and includes showing love and appreciation to friends and family members.

Chile Valentine's Day traditions

Qixi Festival Celebration Highlights:

  • Exchanging gifts between couples
  • Going on romantic dates
  • Decorating the streets with lanterns and decorations
  • Practicing traditional customs like carving melon skins and weaving bracelets

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Colombia and Guatemala

Valentine’s Day, known as the Day of Love and Friendship, is celebrated with a unique twist in Colombia and Guatemala. While romance is still a part of the festivities, the focus is primarily on friendship and camaraderie. Friends exchange anonymous gifts and tokens of affection, demonstrating their appreciation for one another. In Guatemala City, a colorful parade is held to honor senior citizens, with participants donning traditional Maya garb and vibrant colors.

ColombiaGuatemala
In Colombia, Valentine’s Day is known as the Day of Love and Friendship.In Guatemala, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as the Day of Love and Friendship.
It is a less romantic celebration, with a strong emphasis on friendship.It is a less romantic celebration, with a focus on friendship and camaraderie.
Friends exchange anonymous gifts to show appreciation for one another.Friends exchange anonymous gifts to demonstrate their affection and appreciation.
In Guatemala City, a parade is held to honor senior citizens, featuring traditional Maya garb and vibrant colors.In Guatemala City, a colorful parade is held to honor senior citizens, with participants donning traditional Maya garb and vibrant colors.

This unique celebration brings people together and reinforces the importance of friendship. It is a day to express gratitude and love not only to romantic partners but also to friends who enrich our lives. Through the exchange of anonymous gifts and the vibrant parade in Guatemala City, the Day of Love and Friendship truly captures the spirit of unity and appreciation.

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis

As C.S. Lewis beautifully puts it, friendship is a bond that brings people together through shared experiences and understanding. The Day of Love and Friendship in Colombia and Guatemala celebrates this special connection and encourages individuals to express their affection for their friends. It is a reminder to cherish and value the relationships that bring joy and support into our lives.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on May 1st, coinciding with the country’s Labor Day. This unique celebration combines love and romance with a day dedicated to workers. Couples and loved ones take the opportunity to express their affection and appreciation for one another.

One of the most popular traditions is the pilgrimage to the statue of Karol Hynek Macha, a renowned Czech poet, located in Petrin Park in Prague. This iconic statue becomes a focal point for couples who gather to symbolize their love by kissing under the blooming cherry trees. It is a beautiful and romantic gesture in a picturesque setting.

“May 1st in the Czech Republic is a day where love and labor are celebrated hand in hand. Couples embrace the opportunity to show their love, and the atmosphere becomes festive and enchanting.”

Another Czech tradition on this day is the giving of lilies of the valley. These delicate and fragrant flowers are considered symbols of love and prosperity. The sweet aroma of lilies fills the air as people exchange bouquets as tokens of affection.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Czech Republic
TraditionMay 1st celebration
Key Activities
  • Pilgrimage to the statue of Karol Hynek Macha
  • Kissing under the cherry trees
  • Giving lilies of the valley

Valentine’s Day in the Czech Republic is a unique blend of love, romance, and the celebration of workers. It is a day when couples come together to express their love, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and enchantment.

Czech Republic Valentine's Day traditions

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Denmark and Norway

In Denmark and Norway, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with the exchange of lover’s cards. These cards can be handmade with pressed white flowers or more traditional cards. In Denmark, some men also give gaekkebrev, anonymous “joke letters” containing funny poems or rhymes written on intricately cut paper. If the recipient can guess the sender, she earns an Easter egg later in the year.

Denmark and Norway have a long-standing tradition of exchanging lover’s cards on Valentine’s Day. These cards can be beautifully handmade with pressed white flowers, adding a personal and sentimental touch to the gesture. Alternatively, more traditional cards with romantic messages are also widely exchanged.

In Denmark, there is an additional element of fun and mystery in the celebrations. Some men give gaekkebrev, which are anonymous “joke letters” filled with funny poems or rhymes. These letters are intricately cut out of paper, showcasing the sender’s creativity. If the recipient can guess the identity of the sender correctly, she earns an Easter egg as a reward later in the year.

This unique tradition adds an element of excitement and anticipation to Valentine’s Day celebrations in Denmark and Norway. It encourages creativity in expressing affection and keeps the spirit of romance alive.

Table: Comparing Valentine’s Day Traditions in Denmark and Norway

TraditionsDenmarkNorway
Lover’s CardsHandmade with pressed white flowers or traditional cardsHandmade with pressed white flowers or traditional cards
Gaekkebrev (Joke Letters)Anonymous funny poems or rhymes written on intricately cut paperN/A
Guessing GameRecipient guesses the identity of the sender to earn an Easter eggN/A

This table highlights the similarities and differences in Valentine’s Day traditions between Denmark and Norway. While both countries exchange lover’s cards, Denmark adds an extra element of mystery with the gaekkebrev tradition.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in England

Valentine’s Day in England is a time of romantic gestures and charming traditions. One notable tradition is the singing of special songs by children. These delightful tunes are performed in exchange for candy, fruit, or even money. It’s a heartwarming sight to see children spreading love and joy through music.

Another cherished Valentine’s Day practice in England is the baking of Valentine buns. These delicious treats are made with ingredients like plum, raisin, or caraway seeds, which harken back to a celebration of a bountiful harvest. The buns are often shared with loved ones as a symbol of affection and appreciation.

Overall, Valentine’s Day in England is a time to express one’s love and appreciation through heartfelt songs and scrumptious treats. It’s a day that brings people together in celebration of love, making it truly special.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Finland and Estonia

In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as Friends Day on February 14. It is a day dedicated to showing appreciation and love not only to romantic partners but also to friends and neighbors. It’s a special occasion to strengthen bonds and express gratitude to those who bring joy and support into our lives.

On Friends Day, people in Finland and Estonia exchange cards and small gifts with their loved ones and friends. These gestures symbolize the spirit of friendship and the importance of fostering meaningful connections. It’s a time for heartfelt expressions, kind gestures, and acts of kindness that celebrate the power of friendship.

Additionally, Valentine’s Day is often chosen as the perfect day for engagements in Finland and Estonia. Couples who are ready to take the next step in their relationship seize this opportunity to profess their love and commitment, making it an even more memorable day filled with joy, anticipation, and new beginnings.

Friends Day in Finland and Estonia reminds us of the importance of cherishing the relationships that enrich our lives. Whether it’s a romantic partner or a dear friend, this day serves as a beautiful reminder to celebrate love, kindness, and the bonds that bring us together.

FAQ

What countries celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various countries around the world.

What are the Valentine’s Day traditions in Argentina?

In Argentina, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as “Sweetness Week” in July, where people exchange candies, kisses, and good cheer.

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Brazil?

Brazil celebrates “Dia dos enamorados” (“Lovers’ day”) on June 12, where couples exchange gifts, cards, and candy to express their love.

What is the Valentine’s Day tradition in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as “San Trifon Zarezan” or “winemakers’ day” on February 14, dedicated to celebrating the local wine culture.

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Chile?

Chileans celebrate Valentine’s Day as the “Day of Love and Friendship,” extending the celebrations for about a week on either side of February 14.

What is the Valentine’s Day tradition in China?

In China, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as the Qixi Festival, where couples exchange gifts and engage in weaving and carving traditions.

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Colombia and Guatemala?

Valentine’s Day is known as the Day of Love and Friendship in Colombia and Guatemala, focusing more on friendship rather than romance.

What are the Valentine’s Day traditions in the Czech Republic?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on May 1 in the Czech Republic, where couples visit the statue of Karol Hynek Macha and kiss under cherry trees.

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Denmark and Norway?

In Denmark and Norway, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with the exchange of lover’s cards, and Danish men also give gaekkebrev, anonymous “joke letters.”

What are the Valentine’s Day traditions in England?

Valentine’s Day traditions in England vary, but one common occurrence is the singing of special songs by children and the baking of Valentine buns.

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Finland and Estonia?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated as Friends Day in Finland and Estonia, a day to show appreciation and love to friends and neighbors.

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