Valentine’s Day Around the World: How Love Is Celebrated Globally

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in hundreds of countries across the world, but not always in the way you might expect. While most people associate 14th February with roses, chocolates, and candlelit dinners, Valentine’s Day traditions around the world can vary widely depending on where you are from.

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently across the globe. In much of Europe, couples traditionally exchange cards, flowers, and gifts, with romantic dinners and short breaks being especially popular. In Japan, women give chocolates to men, separating them into giri-choco (obligation chocolates for colleagues) and honmei-choco (for romantic partners), with men returning gifts a month later on White Day.

Why Valentine’s Day is celebrated

Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome and the story of Saint Valentine, a saint synonymous with secret marriages and acts of love. The story goes that Valentine was imprisoned for performing marriages for Christian couples to prevent them from doing military service. By order of Emperor Claudius II, he was executed on the 14th February. Over centuries, the holiday evolved into a celebration of romance, becoming especially popular in Europe and later spreading worldwide.

Today, Valentine’s Day is both a global commercial event and a cultural tradition, adapted differently depending on what country you live in.

Valentine’s Day in the United States and United Kingdom

In the United States and UK, Valentine’s Day is traditionally centered on romantic partners. Couples exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts, often celebrating with dinner dates or short romantic getaways.

Key Valentine’s Day Traditions

• Cards and handwritten notes
• Red roses and heart-shaped chocolates
• Romantic dinners and experiences
• Celebrating not just couples, but friends and family

Valentine’s Day is also popular for proposals, weekend breaks, and city escapes, making it one of the busiest travel periods for couples.

Valentine’s Day in Europe

In Europe, Valentine’s Day celebrations can differ by country, blending romance with local customs. Here are a few examples to give you an idea of what to expect:

France

Often regarded as one of the most romantic countries in the world, France embraces Valentine’s Day in much the same way as the UK, with elegant dinners, luxury gifts, and romantic city breaks, especially to Paris.

Italy

In Italy, Valentine’s Day is known as La Festa degli Innamorati (the Festival of Lovers) and is traditionally dedicated to couples rather than friends or family. Romantic gestures are central to the celebration, with partners exchanging gifts such as chocolates, perfume, jewelry, and handwritten love notes. Many couples mark the occasion with intimate dinners at local restaurants or special Valentine’s tasting menus, while others take short romantic getaways to historic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Venice, in particular, is strongly associated with the holiday thanks to its canals, gondola rides, and centuries-old reputation as a city of love. In some regions, it’s also common to attach love locks to bridges or visit landmarks connected to Saint Valentine, whose legacy is still woven into Italian romantic tradition.

Spain

In Spain, Valentine’s Day is known as Día de San Valentín, but the way it’s celebrated blends modern romance with regional traditions. In major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, couples typically exchange gifts like chocolates, flowers, and perfume, and many restaurants offer special Valentine’s menus featuring regional cuisine and wine pairings.

Spain also has notable regional variations in how love is celebrated. In Catalonia, many people consider Sant Jordi’s Day on 23rd April to be the true celebration of love. On this day, partners exchange books and roses, a tradition that has recently gained international recognition. Meanwhile, in Valencia, love is traditionally celebrated on Sant Donís (9th October), when couples exchange marzipan sweets known as mocadorà, shaped like fruits and wrapped in a scarf.

Finland & Estonia

Unlike most countries, Finland and Estonia celebrate Friendship Day as opposed to romantic love, focusing on appreciation for friends instead of couples. In Finland, the day is known as Ystävänpäivä, while in Estonia it’s called Sõbrapäev, both of which translate to “Friend’s Day.”

On Friendship Day, it’s common to exchange cards, small gifts, and messages of gratitude, with many cards specifically designed to celebrate friendship rather than romance. Schools and workplaces often take part, encouraging inclusive celebrations that make the day feel less exclusive than traditional Valentine’s customs. Social gatherings, group meals, and casual get-togethers are more typical than candlelit dinners, and the overall sentiment is community-focused.

Valentine’s Day in Japan

Valentine’s Day in Japan is one of the most unique celebrations in the world. Unlike Western traditions, the gift-giving is reversed.

How Valentine’s Day works in Japan

• Women give chocolates to men on 14th February
• Giri-choco (義理チョコ): Giri-choco refers to chocolates given out of social obligation rather than romantic interest. They are typically given by women to male colleagues, bosses, classmates, or acquaintances on Valentine’s Day in Japan. The practice reflects the Japanese concept of giri (義理), meaning duty or social responsibility, and is meant as a polite gesture to maintain harmony rather than express affection.
• Honmei-choco (本命チョコ): Literally translating to 'true-feelings chocolate', Honmei-choco is given to someone the giver has genuine romantic feelings for, such as a boyfriend, husband, or love interest. These chocolates are often higher quality, homemade, or more thoughtfully chosen, as they are meant to clearly signal romantic intent and emotional commitment.

However, the celebration doesn’t end there. On White Day, which takes place on 14th March, men return the favor by giving gifts—often white chocolate, sweets, or jewelry.

Valentine’s Day in Japan is less about public romance and more about social rituals, making it a fascinating cultural experience for visitors.

Valentine’s Day in Asia

Valentine’s Day has grown rapidly in popularity across Asia, often blending Western traditions with local customs.

South Korea

Similar to Japan, women give chocolates on Valentine’s Day 발렌타인 데이 (Ballentain Dei), and men respond on White Day (화이트데이). There’s also Black Day, which takes place on 14th April. On this day, people who didn’t receive gifts on Valentine’s or White Day traditionally dress in black and gather with friends to eat jajangmyeon, a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish topped with a thick black bean sauce (chunjang). The black color of the sauce symbolizes both singlehood and mock mourning for lost romance, though the mood is usually playful rather than sad.

China

While Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in major Chinese cities, particularly among younger couples, China also has its own traditional love festival known as the Qixi Festival (七夕节), often referred to as Chinese Valentine’s Day. Qixi is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which usually falls in late July or August.

India

In India, Valentine’s Day वेलेंटाइन डे is typically referred to using the English term written in Devanagari script, rather than a traditional Indian-language equivalent. The celebration itself is a relatively modern, urban phenomenon, most popular among younger generations in major cities. 

Couples exchange cards, flowers, and gifts, while restaurants and cinemas often promote Valentine’s-themed offers. However, Valentine’s Day can also be socially controversial in some regions, where it is seen as a Western import that conflicts with traditional values. As a result, observance varies widely from enthusiastic celebration in metropolitan areas to minimal or private acknowledgment elsewhere.

Valentine’s Day in Latin America

In many Latin American countries, Valentine’s Day is known as Día del Amor y la Amistad, meaning the Day of Love and Friendship.

Mexico

In Mexico, what makes Valentine’s Day so special is that it celebrates platonic love just as much as romance. Friends usually exchange small gifts, handwritten notes, balloons, and sweets alongside couples sharing flowers. A particularly Mexican touch is the prominence of serenatas, where mariachi bands are hired to perform romantic songs outside someone’s home.

Brazil

Brazil celebrates romance in its own time. While 14th February passes with relatively little fanfare, Brazil celebrates love on 12th June, known as Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day). The date was deliberately chosen to fall on the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day, the patron saint of marriage, and many single Brazilians still perform playful rituals asking Saint Anthony to help them find a partner. On Dia dos Namorados, couples exchange gifts, cards, and chocolates, and restaurants and hotels offer elaborate romantic packages.

Unique Valentine’s Day traditions around the world

• Denmark: Anonymous love poems called “gaekkebrev”
• South Africa: Wearing the name of your crush on your sleeve
• Philippines: Mass weddings held on Valentine’s Day
• Wales: Celebrating love with carved wooden spoons

Best places to travel for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a popular time for romantic travel. Top destinations include:

• Paris for classic romance
• Venice for canals and history
• Kyoto for cultural Valentine’s traditions
• New York for city experiences
• Barcelona or Rome for food and atmosphere

If you are looking for travel inspiration, check out our travel blog where you can find the top things to do in Italy all year round, the top travel destinations for 2026 and the best winter city breaks in Spain.

FAQs: Valentine’s Day

Are there countries that don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Yes, Valentine’s Day is not universally celebrated. In some countries, it is seen as overly commercial or as a Western import, and participation is limited or discouraged. Instead, many cultures have their own traditional celebrations of love and relationships. For example, China celebrates Qixi Festival based on ancient folklore, and some Middle Eastern countries observe Valentine’s Day quietly or not at all. As a result, the level of celebration varies widely by region, age group, and cultural values.

Why is Valentine’s Day controversial in some countries?

Valentine’s Day can be controversial in cultures where public expressions of romance conflict with traditional values. In some regions, it is viewed as a Western commercial holiday that does not align with local customs or beliefs. As a result, celebrations may be discouraged, limited, or kept private. Despite this, Valentine’s Day continues to grow in popularity globally, particularly among younger generations influenced by social media and global culture.

Which country celebrates friendship instead of romance?

Finland and Estonia are well known for celebrating Valentine’s Day primarily as a celebration of friendship rather than romantic love. Known as Ystävänpäivä in Finland and Sõbrapäev in Estonia, the day focuses on appreciating friends and family members through cards, messages, and small gifts, making it a more inclusive celebration.

Are there countries that celebrate love on a different date?

Yes, several countries celebrate love on dates other than 14th February. Brazil marks romance on 12th June with Dia dos Namorados, South Korea has multiple love-related days throughout the year, and China’s Qixi Festival follows the lunar calendar.

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day This Year

From candlelit dinners in Europe to chocolate-giving traditions in Japan and friendship-focused celebrations in Northern Europe, Valentine’s Day around the world shows just how many ways love can be shared. This year, why not turn that inspiration into a journey? Whether you’re traveling for romance or a shared adventure, exploring Valentine’s traditions abroad starts with getting there. Book your ferry tickets now and make this Valentine’s Day a journey worth remembering.