Chocolate gifting became a Valentine’s Day staple thanks to Richard Cadbury’s invention of the heart-shaped chocolate box in the 1800s. Today, chocolates are one of the top gifts exchanged on Valentine’s Day, with everything from fancy truffles to giant chocolate bars making their way into hearts and hands. Every year on Feb. 14, Americans celebrate Valentine's Day. The February holiday is set aside to let that special someone know how much they're cared about through gifts, flowers, greeting cards In general, Valentine’s Day (or a similar holiday) is celebrated almost all around the world. There are just 8 places that refrain from honoring this holiday. What countries don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day? Uzbekistan – interestingly enough, Valentine’s Day was celebrated in Uzbekistan until 2021, when it was banned with an official Across the United States and around the world, February 14 marks a day of celebration of St. Valentine. The legend of St. Valentine is shrouded in mystery. Although Valentine’s Day is one of the new Denmark festivals, the country also celebrates the day of love and romance on 14th Feb with a twist. In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is not limited to roses and chocolates. Friends and lovers exchange handmade cards with pressed white flowers that are called snowdrops. Valentine’s Day in Iran has only become popular in the last couple of decades. However, authorities have tried to dissuade people from celebrating it, since they see the holiday as a form of Western decadence. In fact, Valentine’s Day was officially banned in 2010, along with anything love related for February 14 like cards with hearts or Valentine’s Day on February 14 is dedicated to love, sweet gestures, and scrambling for last-minute cards or dinner reservations. The day is set aside to show that special someone in your life how much you care and it has become tradition to exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolates, or thoughtful notes. Whether you’re all about romance, celebrating with your friends, or just treating yourself, here are some global traditions that might inspire your own February 14th plans! Japan & South Korea: a two-part chocolate exchange. In Japan, Valentine’s Day flips the script – it’s women who give chocolates to men. But there’s more to it: Valentine's Day 2026. Sat, Feb 14, 2026 – 53 countries. Sat, Sep 19, 2026 – Colombia. Valentine’s Day on February 14 is a global holiday that traditionally celebrates romantic love. The holiday has taken a secular form in recent years and is celebrated in almost all countries worldwide. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate true love Overall, Valentine’s Day and White Day are viewed as important days of recognition for couples and a way to express their feelings to each other in Japan. 7. South Africa. In South Africa, Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday celebrated by couples, friends, and family members. People often give gifts like chocolate, teddy bears, and flowers. Trustpilot, the global independent review platform, today released its 'Valentine's Day Spending Trends' survey revealing that while most Americans (73%) still plan to celebrate, they're Valentine's Day is a Global Holiday celebrating Love. While the holiday is traditionally and most commonly about romantic love, it is no longer just about romantic love. Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated all around the world as a time to show love to others in your life including friends, children, parents. Valentine's Day is a popular holiday and is not an official holiday in any country. Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated every February 14; this year Valentine's Day falls on a Friday. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts Valentine's day was purely a W estern concept, but people liked the excuse to have a 'holiday' with their loved one, and of course many gift shops and flowers stores loved the idea.” Matthew says he and Jessica personally like to enjoy a date night on February 14 th , but usually their Chinese peers don’t celebrate the holiday. Is Valentine's Day a global holiday? Valentine's Day is observed in countries around the world, although celebrations vary. According to NBC's "Today" show , Valentine's Day celebrates friendship Base: 7,112 online adults under the age of 75 who are currently married, partnered, engaged or involved in a romantic relationship and say they are likely to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from 28 countries, Dec. 2021 –Jan. 2022 According to the National Retail Federation, Americans now spend $18 billion annually on cards, flowers, candy, jewelry, and clothing for Valentine’s Day. The commercialization of Valentine’s Day has spurred efforts to reinterpret the holiday as something less materialistic. Celebrated around the world, Valentine’s Day is a Global Holiday. While St. Valentine’s Day and its associated traditions of cards, chocolates, and other gifts began as a British tradition, it is now a holiday commonly practiced in various forms around the world, especially throughout Europe and the United States. There are so many Valentine's Day games, Valentine's Day cocktails, and Valentine's Day desserts that can easily be tweaked to fit your friend festivities. Take a cue from Paige and make a sweet spread that includes chocolate-covered strawberries , cake, and a charcuterie board all on the prettiest ruffled floral platters. Original article published January 24th, 2025: While Jordan Brand plans to release a “Valentine” Jordan 3, Nike’s key Valentine’s Day offering of 2025 is a trio of Air Max 1s inspired by
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