Love Is In The Air & Everywhere Else
Valentine’s Day, the one day a year when flowers fly off shelves, chocolate sales hit the roof, and everyone scrambles to prove their love with grand gestures. But while hearts and roses may reign supreme, let’s take a cheeky stroll around the globe to see how love is celebrated in different corners of the world. Get ready for a whirlwind tour of romance.
Argentina: Sweetness Week
Why settle for one day when you can have seven? In Argentina, love stretches across an entire week in July with Sweetness Week, where lovers exchange sweets, kisses, and good vibes. Think of it as a sugar rush of affection, who wouldn’t want that?
Brazil: Dia dos Namorados
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day falls in June, right before Carnival. “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day) is all about exchanging gifts, cards, and romantic surprises. And hey, single ladies, don’t forget to charm Saint Anthony for a little matchmaking magic.
China: Qixi Festival
Over in China, the Qixi Festival is the real deal for lovebirds. Celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, is a day filled with romance and a sprinkle of tradition as it’s all about a love story that’s straight out of a fairytale. Legend has it that two star-crossed lovers were separated by the Milky Way, only to be reunited just once a year. On this day, couples honour their love with gifts, dates, and maybe a little stargazing. Romantic, right?
France: The Land of Love
Oui, France, the ultimate destination for lovers! On Valentine’s Day, couples exchange heartfelt notes, gifts, and plenty of je t’aime. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries, proving that when it comes to romance, the French certainly know how to set the mood.
Finland: Friends’ Day
In Finland, February 14 is all about platonic love. Known as Friends’ Day, it’s a time to appreciate friends and loved ones. Whether it’s cards or hugs, the spirit of love is alive and well, without the pressure of romance.
Japan: Chocolate Galore
In Japan, Valentine’s Day means chocolate and lots of it, and the ladies take the lead! Women gift giri-choco (obligatory chocolate) to friends and colleagues, saving the honmei-choco (true love chocolate) for their special someone. But the guys don’t get off scot-free, on White Day, a month later, they return the favour with gifts, usually something a little extra too.
Italy: Baci and Romance
In Italy, lovers exchange Baci Perugina, delicious chocolate kisses with sweet notes tucked inside. It’s all about the little gestures that make hearts flutter. Plus, there’s an old tale that the first man a single woman sees on Valentine’s Day will be her husband within the year. Talk about pressure…
South Korea: The Love Triangle
South Korea takes Valentine’s Day up a notch, blending Western traditions with local flair. Women give chocolates on Valentine’s Day, and men return the favor on White Day in March. But wait, there’s more! April 14, aka “Black Day,” is when singles gather to commiserate over jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles). Love, heartbreak, and carbs—everyone’s covered.
So, there you have it, a delightful mix of love traditions from around the globe. Whether it’s a week of sweetness in Argentina or the chocolate frenzy in Japan, love is celebrated in all its glorious forms. This Valentine’s Day let’s embrace the diversity of romance and spread a little love, no matter where we are.
From all of us at Ovolo Hotels, Happy Valentine’s Day! May your day be filled with sweet surprises, laughter, and a whole lot of love.
Love you long time!