Love Around the World: 6 Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions to Inspire Your Travels

At WanderFemme Adventures, we believe that travel is about more than just seeing new places—it’s about immersing yourself in different cultures, connecting with people, and experiencing the world in unexpected ways. And what better way to explore cultural traditions than through love? While many think of Valentine’s Day as chocolates and candlelight dinners, countries around the world celebrate it in ways that are just as unique as their landscapes.

From Egypt’s celebration of love beyond romance to Wales’ beautifully carved love spoons, every destination has its own special way of honoring love and connection.

Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or planning a romantic getaway, these global traditions might just inspire your next adventure. Let’s take a journey through six of the world’s most fascinating Valentine’s Day customs!

1. Japan – Women Give Chocolates (and Men Wait!) 

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is all about women giving chocolates to men. But there’s a twist—there are two kinds of chocolates:

• Giri-choco (義理チョコ) – "Obligation chocolates" given to male coworkers, bosses, and acquaintances, with no romantic intention.

• Honmei-choco (本命チョコ) – "True feeling chocolates" given to romantic partners. Women often make these by hand to show extra affection.

A month later, on March 14th (White Day), men who received chocolates are expected to return the favor, often giving white chocolates, candy, or even expensive gifts like jewelry!

2. South Korea – A Whole Love Calendar! 📅

South Korea takes things to another level with a love-related day on the 14th of almost every month!

• February 14 – Valentine's Day: Women give chocolates to men.

• March 14 – White Day: Men return gifts to women.

• April 14 – Black Day: Singles who didn’t receive anything on the previous days "celebrate" by eating black bean noodles (jajangmyeon) together, jokingly mourning their singleness.

  
  

3. Denmark – Snowdrops & Mystery Love Notes 

Instead of roses, Danish people exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops. Another fun tradition is sending anonymous love letters called gaekkebrev. These notes usually contain funny poems or rhymes, and the sender signs their name with dots instead of their name.

If the recipient correctly guesses who sent the note, they win an Easter egg later in the year! If they guess wrong, they owe the sender an egg instead.

4. Brazil – "Dia dos Namorados" (Lovers’ Day)

Brazilians don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th because the Carnival season is too busy. Instead, they celebrate "Dia dos Namorados" (Lovers’ Day) on June 12th.

The holiday includes:

• Massive festivals with music and dancing

• Exchanging gifts, chocolates, and romantic gestures

• Single people performing love rituals to find a future partner

5. Wales – Love Spoons Instead of Roses 

In Wales, lovers exchange beautifully carved wooden spoons instead of flowers or chocolates. This tradition, dating back to the 17th century, symbolizes commitment and affection. The spoons often have intricate carvings with symbols like:

• Hearts (love)

• Horseshoes (luck)

• Keys (You have the key to my heart!)

These spoons are still given today, not just for Valentine’s Day but for anniversaries and weddings as well!

6. Egypt – Love Beyond Couples 

Egyptians celebrate Valentine’s Day not just for romantic partners but also for friends and family.

• February 14th is for lovers, but there’s also a local Valentine’s Day on November 4th, where people show appreciation for all loved ones, not just significant others.

• Red is the dominant color, with bouquets, heart-shaped gifts, and stuffed animals flooding the markets.

Written in collaboration with Chat GPT.

Do something loving for yourself this Valentine’s Day and plan a trip with us!!