Valentine's Day Traditions from Different Countries

In the United States, we celebrate Valentine’s Day by showing loved ones how much we care for them through gifts, boxes of chocolates, conversation hearts, flowers, cards, or a romantic dinner. But how do other countries around the world celebrate this special day?

Many countries have a designated day to celebrate love and romance, but each one has its own unique twist on Valentine’s Day traditions. Check out our list of some of the most interesting Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world!

Germany - Lucky Pigs

Pigs might be cute, but what do they have to do with romance? In German culture, pigs are actually a popular symbol of luck and love. This theme is incorporated into Valentine’s Day celebrations through gifts like chocolate pigs with messages of love or good luck, pig figurines, piggy banks, and plush pig toys with love-themed decorations. Like in the United States, Germans also celebrate Valentine’s Day with romantic dates and exchanging roses and cards.

Brazil - Festive Parades

Brazilians are passionate about parades, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Brazil’s Dia dos Namorados (Lover’s Day) is celebrated on June 12 to avoid overlapping with Carnival in February. June 12 also falls right before the feast of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage. To celebrate Dia dos Namorados, Brazil holds lively parades with carnival-style choreography, decorating streets with festive heart and flower decorations.

Finland - Celebrate Friends

If you’re single on Valentine’s Day, Finland is the place to be! In Finland, Valentine’s Day is all about Friendship. Ystävänpäivä, or “Friend’s Day,” has been officially included in Finnish calendars since 1996 and is dedicated to celebrating friendships. Groups of friends celebrate the day all over the country, giving each other cards and small gifts to celebrate their friendship and show appreciation for one another. 

Japan and South Korea - Pamper the Men

In South Korea and Japan, it’s a custom for women to give men chocolates on February 14. Japan adds a unique twist; women give out two kinds of chocolates. Honmei choco, or “true feeling chocolate,” to romantic partners and giri choco, or “obligatory chocolate,” to acquaintances and friends. But don’t worry, ladies! Men return the favor a month later, on March 14 (“White Day”), with gifts of white chocolate or other white-colored sweets. Since Valentine’s Day was an opportunity for women to express their affection for men, White Day became a tradition for men to reciprocate. Chocolate factories started selling white marshmallows to men a month after Valentine’s Day, which is where the holiday got its name.

Philippines - Mass Weddings

What better way to celebrate love than by getting married? On February 14, Filipinos celebrate Valentine’s Day with mass weddings, usually sponsored by local government agencies or non-governmental organizations. At these communal wedding ceremonies, Filipino couples gather alongside other couples in large public spaces to exchange their wedding vows simultaneously. These venues are typically decorated with flowers, banners, and symbolic elements, setting a festive and romantic atmosphere. Mass weddings are free or offered at a low cost, making marriage affordable for those who may not be able to afford a traditional wedding ceremony. 

Ghana - National Chocolate Day

Chocoholics will love this one! In Ghana, February 14 is celebrated as the “National Chocolate Day.” Since Ghana is one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world, the Ghana Tourism Authority established this day to promote domestic tourism and increase the domestic consumption of Ghanaian chocolate. 

Don’t forget to ask your exchange student how they celebrate Valentine’s Day in their country!