10 different ways people around the world celebrate love

Although Valentine's Day is now celebrated in many countries around the world, it is not the only or even the oldest day dedicated to love. From the celebration of White Day in South Korea to the Qixi Festival in China to St. Dwynwen's Day in Wales, love is celebrated in countless ways in different cultures.

Love festivals around the world celebrate love, affection, romance and connection in different cultural expressions. Whether it's exchanging chocolates, making romantic gestures or asking for the patron saint's blessing, these festivals offer insight into how love is valued in different societies. From China to Romania, here are 10 traditions that have nothing to do with Valentine's Day.

1. St Dwynwen's Day – Wales

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St. Dwynwen's Day – Wales

Every year, the Welsh celebrate love on January 25th, St. Dwynwen's Day, the feast of the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Legend has it that Dwynwen fell in love with a prince but was unable to marry him because she was already engaged to someone else. She prayed to forget the prince and protect true love in her name. To mark the occasion, couples light love lamps and make a pilgrimage to St. Dwynwen's Church, which still stands on the island of Llanddwyn off the coast of North Wales. They also exchange a traditional Welsh love spoon as a sign of affection.

Wondering if you will have a love story like Dwynwen and the Prince? Use our love calculator and synastry chart to check love compatibility with your partner.

2. Qixi Festival – China

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The Chinese festival of love occurs on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese calendar and is known as “Qixi”. On the occasion of Qixi, singles prepare fruits in the hope of future love and couples pray for prosperity. Mass weddings, traditional costume parades and rituals are held on this day.

3. Dragobete – Romania

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This traditional Romanian holiday celebrates Dragobete, the guardian of love. Traditionally, young people perform several rituals on this day to find love and happiness in the coming year. They search for spring flowers in the forest, dance and even kiss in front of the village community, which was as binding as an engagement back then. Although these rituals have long since stopped being practiced, Dragobete is still considered the original Romanian Valentine's Day and is celebrated on February 24th.

4. St. George’s Day – Catalonia, Spain

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St. George's Day – Catalonia, Spain

Valentine's Day is not as impressive for Catalonia, but that's because they celebrate St. George's Day or “La Diada de Sant Jordi” on April 23. On this day, men give women chocolates and flowers, and women give men books in return. The tradition of giving books began in 1616 in honor of English playwright William Shakespeare and Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who both died on April 23.

5. Sisters Meal Festival – Miao, China

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Sisters Meal Festival – Miao, China

The Sisters' Meal Festival is a significant event for the Miao people of China and is considered the oldest Valentine's Day in the country. Women prepare colorful rice dishes wrapped in silk, the contents of which symbolize the fate of relationships. Two chopsticks symbolize love, while a clove of garlic symbolizes the end of romance before the relationship even begins. The festival is a colorful mix of tradition and romantic folklore.

6. Week of Sweetness – Argentina

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Sweet Week – Argentina

In addition to celebrating Valentine's Day (February 14), Argentines also set aside an entire week in July for “Sweet Week,” when kisses are exchanged for sweets. In cities, this is a popular time for dating, restaurants are often fully booked, and candy sales are at their peak at this time of year.

7. Dia dos Namorados (Day of Lovers) – Brazil

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Dia dos Namorados (Day of Lovers) – Brazil

Lovers' Day is celebrated on June 12th each year, and the following day is the day of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage. During this time, single women sometimes perform rituals known as “simpatias” in the hope that they will be the next to walk down the aisle. The day is celebrated with gifts, romantic activities, decorations and festivities.

8. White Day – South Korea

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While in most countries women are pampered on Valentine's Day, in Japan it's men who receive chocolate on February 14th. But don't worry, women get their turn too! A month later, on March 14th, men can return the favor. This celebration is known as “White Day.” The holiday is also celebrated in China and Japan, but South Korea goes a step further and includes friends, family and colleagues.

9. St. Gregory’s Day – Slovenia

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St. Gregory's Day – Slovenia

In Slovenia, March 12th represents the beginning of spring and everything related to love. The latter is still celebrated on Gregorjevo Day, and a popular Slovenian saying says that birds get married on this day. One of the long-standing traditions of this event is to give loved ones heart-shaped honey cookies.

From ancient traditions to modern customs, various love festivals around the world demonstrate the universal desire to celebrate and cherish affection and love. They highlight the importance of love and unite people across borders and cultures. Whether through heartfelt rituals or joyful festivities, these celebrations affirm the enduring power of love to connect and inspire us all.