Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and many stores are flooded with heart-shaped candies, toys, balloons and chocolates. While stores are flooded with red balloons and gifting materials in the UK, a few other nations like Bulgaria celebrate Valentine’s Day with a glass of excellent wine. Lovebirds in Wales exchange special handcrafted wooden spoons. Romanian couples go to the forest to pick flowers and wash their faces in the snow as a sign of good luck.

Valentine’s Day is not just about flowers and chocolates - it is about celebrating love and human connection. Every country has its own tradition for celebrating this special day with their loved ones. This month, Orbis Travels will list seven famous Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world to make the day of love special in 2023.

France

Valentine’s Day traditions in France have a unique and romantic story to which every lover can relate. The first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France when Charles, the Duke of Orlean, sent love letters to his wife from prison in 1415. Right after, the French village named ‘Valentine’ became the epicentre of love and romance.

Lovebirds visiting France must visit Valentine village to witness the beautiful yards, homes decorated with romantic cards, roses and proposals for marriage. Why not plan a visit to this romantic country to witness these lovely Valentine’s Day traditions?

Italy

Italy has a unique connection to this holiday originating during the Roman Empire and February 14th is the feast day of San Valentino - Saint Valentine. Italian sweethearts confess their love to each other by locking a padlock - especially on some famous bridges in Rome, Venice and Florence - and then throw away the key, typically into the water under the bridge.

Couples planning to visit Italy this Valentine’s Day must not forget to visit the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona. A giant red heart is painted in the middle of the historic Piazza Dei Signori. Illuminated heart-shaped lanterns are also hung around the centre of the city. There are also free concerts, a contest for the most beautiful letter written to Juliet and many local hotels and restaurants offer discounts to attract couples to visit Verona for the weekend.

Planning a luxury romantic getaway to Italy? Visit www.orbistravels.co.uk to get the best Valentine’s Day travel deals and packages.

Spain

While we are used to celebrating lovers' day in mid-February, many parts of Spain have a different date for the ‘Día de Los Enamorados’ translated as ‘Lover’s Day’. In Barcelona, Valentine’s Day is celebrated yearly on the 23rd of April. The Catalonian people take advantage of this festival to celebrate love and books. Valentine’s Day tradition in Spain is typically filled with book fairs where people celebrate their love by exchanging gifts like roses and books as a token of affection.

In Valencia, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 9th of October. On this day, people give one another presents, which consist of marzipan wrapped in handkerchiefs. According to legends, people who receive this gift must hold onto the handkerchief forever as proof of how long they have been with their partner.

Send this romantic messages to your loved ones!

Love may be a 365-day affair, but it gets a big shoutout on February 14th. This is the perfect day to turn the romance up full force and show your partner how much you cherish them. If you need help, we have compiled a list of the best Valentine’s Day messages to make your special folks feel loved.

You do not love someone because they are perfect. You love them in spite of the fact they are not.

1. Love is a game that two can play and both win.

2. You are and you will always be my beginning, middle and end.

3. Take my hand, take my whole life too, but I cannot help falling in love with you.

4. Whatever the souls are made of, his and mine are the same.

Argentina

Argentinians do not celebrate Valentine’s Day in February, but a ‘week of sweetness’ in July. On this day, lovebirds exchange kisses and receive chocolates and other sweets. The day started as a commercial invention in Argentina but later became Valentine’s tradition.

Couples looking for a romantic getaway on Valentine’s Day can visit places like Iguazu Falls. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these huge waterfalls are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sights to see in Argentina.

Brazil

“Dia dos Namorados” festival, also known as “Lovers day”, is celebrated in Brazil. Couples on this day exchange chocolates, cards and flowers as their token of affection. If you plan to visit Brazil this Valentine’s Day, get ready to witness the music festivals and dance performances for a partying night. Not only this but Valentine’s Day in Brazil is not only limited to couples; family dinners are also very common in Brazil.

What are you waiting for? Jet off to this splendid location and celebrate your big day with your special someone. Visit www.orbistravels.co.uk to plan your last-minute Valentine’s trip.

England

In England, flowers have been presented on the day of lovers since the 16th century. This tradition came from France from Louis XVI, who gave Marie Antoinette red roses. They symbolize Valentine’s Day and the blood of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. According to legend, two drops of her blood fell on white roses, making them red.

In England, there is a tradition of baking a heart-shaped cake given to loved ones as an expression of love. The British like to buy chocolates, sweets, and soft toys, among which teddy bears are very common - no surprise. On this day, people in England exchange gifts with their loved ones - parents, relatives and even pets.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, Valentine’s Day has gradually become quite popular among the young generation. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 1st May in the country. On this day, young couples pilgrimage to the statue of poet Karol Hynek Macha and kiss under the cherry trees for good luck.

Love is in the air!

All loved up with nowhere to go this Valentine’s Day? Just get your smartphone and start swiping our top Valentine's deals. Whether single or in love with someone, these century-old traditions around the world will give you something to enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Book a romantic luxury getaway to these stunning locations and let the love magic work do its work. Visit Orbis Travels and get to know the best Valentine’s Day travel packages.