How many countries celebrate Valentine’s Day? You could think that all, but that’s not exactly true. The lover’s holiday isn’t celebrated in Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Iran or Indonesia, mainly due to their religious beliefs. However, even if you think about people who do celebrate Valentine’s Day, you’ll find many differences.

For example, in the US, February 14 is the most important couples holiday, while in Argentina, Valentine’s Day isn’t celebrated as much as the Semana de la Dulzura (The Sweetness Week) – the first week of July. Do you want to learn more about the differences and Valentine’s Day traditions around the world? Then read on!

Valentine’s Day Around the World: Traditions and Culture

As we know what countries don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s now focus on the ones that do. There are many different traditions all over the world, so we picked the most interesting ones and compiled them into a short list.

South Korea

South Koreans are among those people who don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, precisely on February 14. Instead, they do it on the 14th day of each month! Interestingly, each month has its own theme, which dictates the celebrations.

  • January – Diary Day – Couples send each other one-year diaries.
  • February – Valentine’s Day – Couples give each other gifts, mainly sweets or flowers.
  • March – White Day – Men send women gifts that they particularly like.
  • April – Black Day – Surprisingly, this is the holiday for singles. It’s celebrated by eating black food.
  • May – Yellow & Rose Day – Couples either gift each other with flowers or visit parks and botanical gardens to admire them.
  • June – Kiss Day – Couples find a unique, romantic place and celebrate with a kiss.
  • July – Silver Day – Couples gift each other with jewelry and trinkets made from silver.
  • August – Green Day – Couples usually celebrate with outdoor activities.
  • September – Music & Photo Day – Couples go to concerts and take pictures together.
  • October – Wine/Red Day – Couples share a glass of wine on romantic dinners.
  • November – Movie Day – Couples visit movie theaters or even go to DVD rooms.
  • December – Hug Day – Couples celebrate by hugging (at every possible occasion!).

what countries celebrate valentine's day?

Philippines

Valentine’s Day ideas in the Philippines usually include…marriage. This is all because of government-sponsored galas.

This obviously caused many couples to have their anniversaries right on this day, which led to many other traditions. For instance, in 2004, couples in the Philippines gathered together to…try to beat the world record for the number of people lip-locking at the same time. Valentine’s Day celebrations are different with each culture, and this is the best proof of that.

Denmark

As Denmark has been, for a long time, among the countries around the world that do not celebrate Valentine’s Day, it shouldn’t be surprising that it has its own customs. Apart from giving flowers and chocolates, lovers in Denmark exchange special cards with pressed snowdrops, which are stunningly beautiful. Perhaps you should try making one?

Romania

Romania is yet another country that doesn’t celebrate on February 14. Instead, their Valentine’s Day traditions can be observed 10 days later, on the 24th. Their customs are also quite unique since they combine the lover’s holiday with celebrations marking the beginning of spring.

Romania Valentine’s Day traditions include a couple’s adventures in the forest, where they pick colorful flowers. Other couples might also wash their faces with snow to bring themselves good luck.

England

While you can see many typical Valentine’s Day celebrations in England, there are some unusual ones as well. For example, couples used to place five bay leaves on their pillows, believing that this would bring the dreams of their future partners.

Another interesting thing is that it’s also a holiday for children – there’s a Valentine’s Santa! Children often wait for him, though unlike during Christmas, you want to see any people dressed as Father Valentine.

valentine's day in different cultures

Argentina

As we mentioned before, in Argentinian culture, Valentine’s Day isn’t the most important lover’s holiday per se. It’s still celebrated, though mainly through small gifts.

It’s different for the Week of Sweetness, the first week of July. It’s a time when you’ll find it hard not to see couples in restaurants celebrating or gifting each other flowers and chocolates. Obviously, kissing is an important part of the celebrations – a peck is expected as a “thank you” for the presents.

Japan

Valentine’s Day traditions are all about women giving gifts to men. These usually are chocolates, though not the ones that you see on grocery store shelves. Typically, women make the chocolates themselves, though they might also buy some extremely fancy ones.

The Japanese Valentine’s traditions don’t mean that men don’t have to give presents to women – it just happens on a different occasion. Similarly to the South Koreans, the Japanese celebrate White Day in March, and that’s when men get gifts for their partners.

The Takeaway

Valentine’s Day includes various celebrations in different cultures. Often, it’s not the only holiday for couples or might be connected to the beginning of the spring. Plus, in many countries, it’s celebrated on a different date. Whether you prefer to celebrate it every month, like South Koreans, or organize a week of sweetness like Argentinians, we’re sure you’ll find inspiration in the numerous Valentine’s Day traditions from all around the world and make this time truly memorable for your significant other!

You may also read: How to Choose a Restaurant for Valentine’s Day?