Valentine's Day Traditions Around Europe

“Valentine’s Day” is observed in lots of countries on all continents. There are many differences in how people celebrate the day, and some countries celebrate it on a different day or in a different month.

Let’s see examples. Maybe, you will be inspired to celebrate February 14, 2022, in a different way.

Continent: Europe

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria the wine makers are celebrated on February 14. Young and old couples celebrate their love by drinking a cup of local wine. You can take a trip, to celebrate the day, to the lovely, historic town of Nessebar, which lays on the shores of the Black Sea. 

Czech Republic

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on May 1. Some people repeat the pilgrimage of the poet Karol Hynek Mácha to a place in the countryside where nature and civilization meet, and they kiss under the beautiful flowering cherry trees for luck. Prague, the capital, is one of the most visited and romantic towns in Europe. Cobble stones and beautiful buildings make it nice place to walk and celebrate love. In this season, the Tatra Mountains are a flowering paradise where you can hike a trail named “The Tatra’s Flower Garden”.

Denmark

One of the newest festivals is the Denmark Valentine Festivals. On February 14, friends and lovers celebrate love with chocolate and flowers. A unique thing lovers send to each other is a handmade card with pressed white flowers called snowdrops. 

England

Lovers in England present red rose to the loved one, a custom that originates from the XVII century. At that time Marie Antoinette got flowers from Louis XVI. Some women still follow the old tradition of putting five bay leaves on their pillows to dream about their future husband. Children exchange Valentine cards in school.

Estonia

In Estonia, they call it the friendship celebration. This takes place on February 14. Couples, friends and singles celebrate it. You can celebrate in big towns, for example, Tallin. Tallin is the capital of this Baltic Sea republic, a cultural hub, with old buildings dating back to 15th century and Old Town is still cobblestoned.

France

Some people believe the first Valentine cards originated in France. Charles, the Duke of Orleans sent a love letter to his wife from the prison and the village’s name was Valentine. Some people think Paris is the most romantic place in the world. They like to walk along the Seine River or visit the Eiffel Tower. Indeed, you can find a hidden gem in the Loire Valley, St Valentine. The quiet village declared itself the “Village of Love”. The Lovers’ Garden is the most romantic place in the village. If you sit under the Willow of Hearts, you’ll be weeping only tears of joy. Lovers buy fresh produce from the market, and they go to picnic in the garden and to share a kiss. Many people go to the “Tree of Eternal Hearts” where they swear to be faithful. They have a three-day festival and lots of romantic events and weddings are offered also.

Italy

Italians, young and old, like to celebrate love. The town of Camogli is not far from Genova. It is a romantic place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Actually, it is a full week with activities. Not to mention Verona, where people have lots of romantic ideas how to celebrate it. Don’t forget to touch the Julia sculpture that makes your love everlasting. Italians like to celebrate with a romantic dinner.

Wales

In Wales, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the most unique way on January 25. It is called the “Day of Saint Dwynwen.” The celebration originated in the 16th century. Lovers exchange unique and beautifully handcrafted wooden spoons.