How do people around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Flowers, chocolates, card, dinner, and a special gift – is your Valentine’s Day list complete? Are you thinking of unique ways to celebrate this year? Or are you single and would like to celebrate this day with friends? Get inspiration from different parts of the globe. Primer gives you a list of how Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the world.
1. Chocolate Exchange – Japan, Korea and Italy
Women give chocolates to men on Feb. 14th. This is a common practice, especially in offices. It will be the men’s turn on Mar. 14th – which is also known as White Day because the color of the chocolates. In Italy, men take chocolate-giving seriously. It is believed that the bigger the chocolate, the more you love the person. Bigger is better, right?
2. Friends Forever – Finland and Brazil
It is called Ystävänpäivä (Friend’s Day) in Finland. People prepare a small gift for their friends. Dia dos Namorados (Day of Lovers) falls on June 12th in Brazil. Friends go out and party to celebrate their bond.
3. Proposals, Weddings and Anniversaries – USA, France and the Philippines
If your boyfriend proposed to you on the most romantic day of the year, at the Crossroads of the World, would you say yes? But of course! Who can say no to a wedding proposal in Times Square, New York? The world’s busiest city slows down for love. While in the Philippines, couples like to make this day extra memorable – by getting married. Be it a private ceremony or a mass wedding, couples show their love for each other by tying the knot on Hearts’ Day. Heading over to Europe, did you know that there is a small village in France where Valentine’s Day is celebrated every day? St. Valentin is a very popular destination for those who want to renew their wedding vows. They do it in a special garden called Jardin des Amoureux.
4. Love Bus – Estonia
Estonians ride a special bus where they can meet other single men and women. Imagine meeting your lifetime partner on Valentine’s Day. How romantic!
5. A Book for a Rose – Spain
Aside from Valentine’s Day, Spain also celebrates El dia del libro y la rosa. Men give their girlfriend or wife a rose and she gives him a book in return. This is done every Apr. 23rd.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is will always be special as long as you spend it with the people you love. How will you celebrate this year, Primer readers? Have a good one!
Article by: Manette Tuvida
Sources: Valentine‘s Day in Spanish-Speaking Countries: For Love and Friendship; Sweet Ways People Across the World Celebrate Valentine‘s Day; Love in Times Square; Discover St. Valentin, the most romantic village in France
Photo courtesy of: (1) hoian-tourism.com, (2) mb.com.ph, (3) fashionstudentsonline.com, (4) 365tickets.co.uk, (5) giveabook.org.uk
