The most unique (& weird) Valentine’s Day traditions around the world!

Think Valentine’s Day is all about roses, chocolates, and a romantic dinner? 

While this may be the image of Valentine’s Day in some parts of the world, in other countries it looks wildly different.

Some traditions are super romantic, some feel a little awkward, and some… well they’re just completely unexpected!

Let’s take a look at some of the most unique Valentine’s Day traditions around the world.

Countries where Valentine’s Day flips expectations

In places like the USA and the UK, there’s a set social protocol for Valentine’s Day. Couples exchange cards, and the man gives his woman chocolate or flowers. But these traditions don’t translate to every country.

• Japan & South Korea have two dates that celebrate love. Women traditionally give men chocolate on February 14th, and men then reciprocate this a month later on ‘White Day.’ Interestingly, people give chocolate not just to their partner or love interest, but to work colleagues and friends. The ‘platonic’ gifts are always small, while the gifts signaling love interest are much grander.
• Denmark & Norway have a very unusual tradition called Gaekkebrev, where people send anonymous love poems (usually witty and funny) instead of cards. If the receiver guesses who the poem is from, they get an Easter egg (bizarre, I know!).
• Finland & Estonia see Valentine’s Day as the celebration of friendship (Friend’s Day) rather than romantic love. People exchange cards and small gifts with friends, neighbors, and family members.

Countries where Valentine’s Day is loud, public, and dramatic

Western countries are known for their excessive Valentine’s Day marketing and the pressure to have a date for February 14th. However, in some countries, Valentine’s Day is even louder… in different ways.

• Brazil is well known for its love of PDA, so it’s no surprise that Valentine’s is big here. It’s common to see many public romantic gestures like proposals, and some couples even decorate their homes with heart-themed decor. However, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in June, not February, to avoid clashing with Carnival celebrations. 
• Mexico loves any excuse to party, so Valentine’s Day in Mexico is typically a fun gathering at the beach or other outdoor spaces, complete with music, food, and good vibes. You’ll also notice many heart-shaped balloons in the sky, as people like to exchange these and release them together. 
• The Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries hold mass weddings on February 14th, where multiple couples marry side by side in large public ceremonies. 
• Italy is a highly romantic country, and so, it’s one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day. However, cultural expectations differ from real-life traditions. For example, Valentine’s Day was historically a ‘Spring Festival,’ so it’s a common tradition for couples to spend time together outdoors, such as in parks and public places, welcoming the start of Spring. 
• France celebrates February 14th in a deep, authentic way. Valentine’s Day in France is not a commercialised affair but a celebration that people take seriously. So you can expect to see restaurants full of couples sitting at candlelit tables well into the evening.

Countries where Valentine’s Day barely matters (or is frowned upon)

Some Valentine’s Day traditions around the world are non-existent. As the celebration stems from Christian tradition, some non-Christian countries choose not to acknowledge it.

• Many Muslim countries, including Malaysia, Iran, and Pakistan, strongly discourage public Valentine’s celebrations as they go against their religious and cultural beliefs.
• In India, some nationalist groups protest the commercialism of Valentine’s Day by burning cards, viewing the tradition as a Western cultural invasion.

Then there are the countries that don’t celebrate on February 14th, but have their own version of Valentine’s Day later in the year:

• Argentina has “Semana de la Dulzura” (Sweetness Week) in July, where couples, friends, and family exchange candy as a gesture of love and affection.
• Colombia celebrates “Día del Amor y la Amistad” (Love and Friendship Day) on September 16th.

It’s also worth noting that, in recent years, cynicism about Valentine’s Day has grown in certain Western countries. 69% of UK citizens and 67% of Australians now see it as too commercial and simply a marketing ploy rather than an authentic celebration of love.

For this reason, many people opt out of Valentine’s Day, and choose to show their gratitude for their loved ones on the over 364 days of the year.

There is also the growing tradition of “Galentine’s Day,” where women gather with their friends instead of going on dates. 

What travelers often get wrong about Valentine’s Day abroad

If you’re traveling abroad this Valentine’s Day, it’s worth taking a moment to research how the day is celebrated locally to avoid misunderstandings.

For example, if you’re spending Valentine’s Day in Japan as a female, you might be a little disappointed to learn you’ll be expected to make all the effort. What’s more, in some places, restaurants and hotels don’t offer romantic menus or special dining experiences.

Once you’re clued up on local Valentine’s traditions, staying connected throughout your trip is key. That’s true whether you happen to be abroad or you’ve planned a romantic getaway specifically for Valentine’s Day.

With a Holafly eSIM, you’ll get unlimited data through reliable local networks, allowing you to find the best restaurant in town, make reservations, and track down the perfect last-minute gift.

Explore Holafly’s eSIM shop here.

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Michaela Park

SEO Content Specialist

Hi there! I'm Mika, a content creator at Holafly! ✈️ I share travel tips and tricks to help make your adventures more enjoyable and stress-free. 😊

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