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Countries that Celebrate Valentines Day 2024

Argentina

Although not as big as in western countries, Argentina celebrates the Dia de Los Enamorados or Valentine's day. It is an interesting case study, as many have criticized Valentine's day as being run by corporate greed as a way to encourage spending on candy, flowers, and other gifts to show your love for one another. True Valentine's Day in Argentina, however, is not celebrated on February 14th. Sweetness Week, as it is called, is celebrated from July 1-7th. Although it was initially celebrated on a single day, it has changed in recent times as a way for manufacturers to capitalize on this tradition.

In response to public criticism, prices of candies and flowers were reduced by making them smaller and more sentimental. In this way, the week is celebrated through kisses and sweets, which are often considered "payments" from one partner to another.

France

France has had a unique tradition on Valentine's day, as it was considered the day for a "Love Lottery". This exciting game is played on people's hope and innate gambling, which often is associated with leaving love to chance. The goal of the lottery is to pair up men and women who are single in a large matchmaking game. This is not unlike the west, where schools and higher education will often have organizations that conduct deliveries and matchmaking services for those who are looking for a long-term partner.

The game was very personal, as men and women were placed on opposite sides of the street. The men and women would choose each other, and call out to each other to meet face to face. The game had rules, as men were allowed to reject their once-desired companion after their initial meeting. It was customary for single women to get together after this festival and burn the pictures of men who rejected them on a large bonfire. Of course, this presented more than a few dangers, both socially and physically, and was outlawed by the French government.

Valentine's day in France now fits the western narrative of gift-giving. Florists know to prepare for this holiday with red roses, with some shops making more than 80% of their yearly income during this week. Saint Valentin in France is a popular tourist destination during this time when the city comes alive.

Japan

Although Valentine's Day was introduced in 1930, it was not celebrated until just a few years ago. It was eventually proposed by confectionary companies as a marketing ploy to attempt to sell more sweets to the public. While it is not uncommon for men to give their partners roses and chocolates, in Japan, it is quite the opposite. Women are expected to give candies, sweets, and gifts to their loved ones. Many different chocolates are created for special occasions, with choices for platonic, professional, and romantic relationships.

While this may sound completely unfair, White Day is celebrated exactly a month later, on March 14th. Men who receive a gift are expected to bring a gift to that same woman, but with a present that is worth at least three times the value of the one they received.

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Country
Valentine's Day Status
How Valentine's Day is Celebrated
AlbaniaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
ArgentinaCelebrated
AustraliaCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners; commonly exchanged cards and chocolates.
AustriaCelebratedGifts, flowers, and cards; also includes traditional customs like "planting" love.
BahrainNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
BangladeshNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
BelgiumCelebratedGifts, flowers, and cards; chocolates are particularly popular.
BhutanNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
Bosnia and HerzegovinaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
BrazilCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners; unique traditions include exchanging Bem-Casado sweets.
BulgariaCelebrated
CambodiaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
CanadaCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
ChileCelebratedDecorations, gifts, and flowers; includes larger gestures such as jewelry and surprise travel plans.
ChinaCelebratedQixi Festival, with gifts and dates; based on a legend of celestial weaver and mortal man's forbidden love.
ColombiaCelebrated
CroatiaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
CyprusNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
Czech RepublicNon-traditional but growingCelebrated on May 1; couples visit the statue of Karol Hynek Macha for a kiss.
DenmarkCelebratedFriends and lovers exchange "lover's cards," and some engage in the tradition of giving gaekkebrev (anonymous joke letters).
EstoniaCelebrated
FijiNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
FinlandCelebratedCelebrates "Friends Day" on February 14 with cards and gifts for friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
FranceCelebratedRomantic dinners, exchanging cards, and declarations of love.
GermanyCelebratedGifts, flowers, and chocolates are exchanged; also includes unique traditions like giving pig-themed gifts.
GhanaCelebrated
GreeceCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners; some regions have their own customs.
GuatemalaCelebrated
HungaryNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and cards.
IndiaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
IndonesiaForbidden/DiscouragedDiscouraged or banned in regions with conservative views.
IranForbidden/DiscouragedDiscouraged by the government, viewed as Western.
IrelandCelebratedPilgrimages to the Shrine of St. Valentine; traditional gifts include hand-carved wooden spoons.
IsraelCelebratedRecognizes Tu B'av, a summer celebration symbolizing renewal and love; includes gift exchanges and flowers.
ItalyCelebratedGifts and chocolates; some regions have their own unique traditions.
JapanCelebratedChocolates, both obligatory (giri-choco) and heartfelt (honmei-choco); return gifts on "White Day" in March.
KuwaitNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
LaosNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
MalaysiaForbidden/DiscouragedSome states discourage or ban celebrations.
MaldivesNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
MauritiusNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
MexicoCelebratedDia del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship); celebrated with gifts, flowers, and cards.
MontenegroNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
MyanmarNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
NepalNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
NetherlandsCelebratedGifts, flowers, and cards; also includes traditions like anonymous love letters.
New CaledoniaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
New ZealandCelebratedGifts, cards, and romantic gestures.
NorwayCelebratedGifts, flowers, and cards, with a focus on romantic gestures.
OmanNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
PakistanForbidden/DiscouragedDiscouraged by religious and political groups.
PhilippinesCelebratedMass Valentine's Day marriage ceremonies; celebrations include gifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
PolandCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
PortugalCelebratedGifts, flowers, and cards; it's also known as "Dia dos Namorados."
QatarNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
RomaniaCelebrated
RussiaDiscouraged but growingViewed skeptically by some, who feel it is a Western holiday and not traditional Russian culture ... but nonetheless growing in popularity. Celebrated with gifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
SamoaCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
Saudi ArabiaForbidden/DiscouragedOfficially banned and actively discouraged.
SerbiaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
SingaporeNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
SloveniaCelebrated
South KoreaCelebratedGifts and flowers; men reciprocate on "White Day," while singles gather for "Black Day" in April.
SpainCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners; also includes regional variations and festivals.
Sri LankaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
SwedenCelebratedCards and flowers; also includes the tradition of "Friendship Day" for platonic love.
SwitzerlandCelebratedGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners; some regions have their own customs.
TaiwanCelebratedMen give elaborate bouquets on February 14 and July 7; the number and color of flowers convey messages.
TajikistanForbidden/DiscouragedDiscouraged by the government, viewed as Western.
ThailandCelebratedAdventure-themed celebrations, including skydiving, bungee jumping, and underwater weddings.
TongaNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
TurkeyNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
TurkmenistanForbidden/DiscouragedForbidden.
UkraineNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
United Arab EmiratesNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic gestures.
United KingdomCelebratedCards, gifts, and romantic dinners; also includes traditions like sending anonymous "Valentine's cards."
United StatesCelebratedCards, flowers, chocolates, and romantic dinners and/or gestures.
UzbekistanForbidden/DiscouragedForbidden.
VietnamNon-traditional but growingGifts, flowers, and romantic dinners.
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How many countries celebrate Valentines Day?

Approximately 30 countries celebrate Valentine's Day, or some form of the holiday, around the world. However, not everyone celebrates on February 14th.

Which countries celebrate Valentines Day?

The US, Argentina, France, Japan, China, and many other countries all celebrate some form of the Valentine's Day holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions