Every country celebrates holidays in various unique ways around the world. Looking back to see what other countries did to celebrate valentine day, and what they will be doing for St. Patrick’s day.
For Valentine’s Day in Japan and South Korea, it’s customary for women to give chocolates to men. There are different types of chocolates for friends, colleagues, and loved ones. A month later, men reciprocate the gesture with gifts, often white chocolates or other gifts. On April 14th, those who are single in South Korea will gather and eat black noodles. In Italy, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a romantic flair. Couples exchange gifts, flowers, and love letters (similar as in America). One popular tradition is for couples to attach padlocks, often inscribed with their initials, to bridges or railings and then throw away the key, symbolizing their unbreakable love.
In Brazil the equivalent of Valentine’s Day is called “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day), which is celebrated on June 12th. Couples exchange gifts, flowers, and chocolates, and often enjoy romantic dinners or organize special outings. In countries like Colombia and Bolivia, Valentine’s Day is often celebrated alongside Friendship Day, making it a time to cherish both romantic relationships and friendships.
In South Africa, it’s common for women to pin the names of their love interests on their sleeves. Couples also exchange flowers, gifts, and enjoy romantic dinners together. In Ghana, Valentine’s Day is also celebrated as National Chocolate Day, given the country’s status as one of the world’s largest cocoa producers. On this day, people exchange chocolates and participate in various events that promote the local chocolate industry. In Kenya, the day is marked with a lot of enthusiasm, where couples exchange gifts, flowers, and go out for special dinners or picnics to celebrate their love.
Valentine’s Day as we know it is about being with your loved one. Throughout the whole world we see that they might celebrate a little differently but all keep the same meaningful concept. Looking at the upcoming holiday St. Patrick’s day many countries have different traditions.
In Ireland they host parades, festivals, and parties. People wear green and decorate with green, they play Irish music and dance and eat. In America and Canada it is very similar to parades and wearing green. In Japan people celebrate by practicing Irish dances and parades. In Australia the city’s lights turn green and many people go out to festivals to enjoy Irish food and drinks. Although not many countries celebrate St. Patricks day the ones that do are very similar.
The United Kingdom also hosts various celoebrations with different traditions. The largest celebration is found in Argentia with many festivals and parades. Specifically in Buenoos Aires. Throughout the world St. Patricks day is celebrated very similarly with the color green, parades, and large parties.
It is so interesting to see how different cultures are but they all still have similarities.
