Love Around the World: Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions from Different Cultures 🌍❤️

Valentine’s Day may be widely known as a celebration of love and romance, but not every country observes it in the same way. While flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners dominate in the U.S. and many Western countries, other cultures have their own unique traditions that make the day even more special. From poetic love notes to celebrations that honor friendship and self-love, Valentine’s Day around the world is as diverse as love itself.

In Denmark, Valentine’s Day has a charming literary twist. Instead of the traditional red roses, people exchange “gaekkebrev,” which are playful, anonymous love letters written in rhyme. The sender includes dots instead of their name, and if the recipient correctly guesses who wrote it, they earn a small Easter egg later in the year.

In Japan, Valentine’s traditions span two holidays—on February 14, women gift chocolates to men, and on March 14 (White Day), men return the favor. Interestingly, there are different types of chocolates: "giri-choco" for colleagues and friends and "honmei-choco" for true love.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, the Valentine’s celebrations extend even further. In addition to Valentine’s Day and White Day, South Koreans recognize Black Day on April 14—a day when singles gather to commiserate over bowls of black bean noodles (jajangmyeon) and embrace their independence.

In the Philippines, love takes on a grand scale with mass wedding ceremonies, where hundreds, sometimes thousands, of couples say "I do" in a collective celebration of love. And in Brazil, Valentine’s Day isn’t in February at all! Instead, Dia dos Namorados (Lovers’ Day) is celebrated on June 12, honoring Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage, with music festivals, feasts, and elaborate gift-giving.

These traditions highlight the many ways people around the world express love, whether through poetry, sweets, grand celebrations, or even embracing singlehood. No matter where or how it’s celebrated, Valentine’s Day serves as a beautiful reminder that love comes in many forms—and deserves to be cherished in every culture. 💕

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? How do you usually celebrate? And how do you think your favorite Aspen Cove couples are celebrating the holiday? I would love to hear from you!