Argentina
When: July 1st--7th
How: Instead of celebrating Valentine's Day on one specific day, in Argentina, the holiday is celebrated over the course of the first week in July. This week is called, "Semana de la Dulzura," meaning "the week of sweetness". Couples partake in this holiday by exchanging chocolate or sweets with one another in addition to one kiss per treat. HOW SWEET!
South Korea
When: 14th of every month
How: Who said we have to celebrate love just on one day? Why not every month! In South Korea, Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th of every month. Each month has its own specific celebrations. For example: "the day of roses" is celebrated in May, "the day of kisses" is celebrated in June, "the day of hugs" is celebrated in December, and single people celebrate "the black day" in April where they gather together to console themselves over Jajangmyeon – black noodles. YUM!
South Africa
When: February 14th
How: In South Africa, women will pin the name of their crush or significant other on their arm for everyone to see. This is based on the ancient Roman festival, Lupercalia. While it is rare, men will also participate in this custom. This tradition is meant to hopefully catch the attention of their crush or to publicly declare their love. SO ROMANTIC!
Southwest China
When: March 15th
How: Citizens of Miao, southwest China, participate in the "Sister's Meal" festival where women come wearing silver accessories and extravagant dresses. On this day, the women cook a vast amount of colored rice dishes and lay them on silk fabric to the young men passing through. But wait, there's more! Inside the colored rice is an object that determines their love destiny. If there is two chopsticks, it means love. However, if there's a clove of garlic it means the love is over before it even started. WOW!
Estonia
When: February 14th
How: Instead of the typical Valentine's Day trope that mainly focuses on romantic love, Estonia takes this holiday and adds their own twist to it by celebrating all kinds of love. It falls on a day known as "Sobrapaev," which means to celebrate your friends, family, and so on. They throw a festival while family and friends exchange gifts. So this is not just only a day for couples, but your family and friends too. WE LOVE TO SEE IT!
Japan
When: February 14th & March 14th
How: The Japanese have their own unique twist to the holiday of love. On February 14th, the women purchase a variety of gifts and sweets for their significant other. But get this--their partner can not return the thought and give gifts back until March 14th. The Japanese call this the "White Day". COOL!
Czech Republic
When: May 1st
How: Although most countries celebrate Valentine's Day on the 14th of February, people in the Czech Republic traditionally celebrate love on the 1st of May. Here, you will find couples making a pilgrimage to the statue of poet Karel Hynek Mácha in Petrin Park and kissing underneath the cherry blossom trees to bring good luck for the next year. CUTE!
Works Cited
“Here’s How Valentine’s Day Is Celebrated around the World.” Discovery Com,
2020, www.discovery.com/exploration/here-s-how-the-rest-of-the-world-
celebrates-valentine-s-day-pictures. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.
Livingston, Sharron. “How Valentine’s Day Is Celebrated around the World.” The
Travel Magazine, The Travel Magazine, 5 Feb. 2021,
www.thetravelmagazine.net/valentines-day-around-the-world.html. Accessed
25 Jan. 2022.
Sen, Sukanya. “18 Valentine’s Day Traditions around the World That Make the Day
of Love Special.” Traveltriangle.com, 4 Jan. 2022,
traveltriangle.com/blog/valentines-day-traditions-around-the-
world/#:~:text=Some%20popular%20valentine’s%20day%20traditions,card%20that%20may%20contain%20chocolate.. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.
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