How Valentine’s Day 2025 is Celebrated in Different Countries in Europe
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a day of love and romance across the globe. While the essence of the holiday remains the same, each European country has its own unique traditions and customs. Here’s a Bloom & Song Flower Delivery guide to how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in different parts of Europe.
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1. United Kingdom
In the UK, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm, and many traditions have roots in British history.
- Cards and Gifts: Exchanging Valentine’s Day cards, flowers (especially roses), and chocolates is common. Handwritten notes and poems are also popular.
- Anonymous Love Letters: Inspired by the Victorian era, some people still send anonymous love letters signed “From your Valentine.”
- Special Dinners: Couples often enjoy romantic dinners at home or in restaurants.
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2. France
Known as the “City of Love,” Paris sets the tone for Valentine’s Day celebrations in France.
- Romantic Getaways: Couples often plan trips to Paris or other romantic destinations.
- Love Locks: Though now discouraged, the tradition of attaching “love locks” to bridges like Pont des Arts was once a popular Valentine’s Day gesture.
- Gourmet Gifts: French lovers exchange gourmet chocolates, macarons, and fine wines.
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3. Italy
Italy celebrates Valentine’s Day, or La Festa degli Innamorati, with a focus on romance and tradition.
- Love Notes: Couples exchange Baci Perugina, chocolate-covered hazelnuts with romantic messages inside.
- Padlocks and Keys: In some regions, couples attach padlocks to bridges and throw the keys into the water as a symbol of eternal love.
- Romantic Dinners: Italian couples enjoy candlelit dinners featuring dishes like pasta, seafood, and tiramisu.
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4. Spain
In Spain, Valentine’s Day is known as El Día de los Enamorados and is celebrated with passion and flair.
- Gifts and Flowers: Red roses and chocolates are popular gifts, along with jewelry and perfumes.
- Romantic Evenings: Couples often go out for dinner or enjoy flamenco shows and other cultural events.
- Sant Jordi’s Day: In Catalonia, Valentine’s Day is combined with Sant Jordi’s Day (April 23), where men give women roses, and women give men books.
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5. Germany
In Germany, Valentine’s Day is called Tag der Verliebten (Day of the Lovers) and has its own unique traditions.
- Gingerbread Hearts: Couples exchange Lebkuchenherzen, gingerbread hearts decorated with romantic messages.
- Pig Symbolism: Pigs are considered symbols of luck and lust in Germany, so pig-shaped gifts and cards are common.
- Romantic Dinners: Like in other countries, couples enjoy special meals together.
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6. Denmark
Denmark has a charming and playful way of celebrating Valentine’s Day.
- Snowdrops: Instead of roses, Danes often exchange snowdrops, small white flowers that bloom in winter.
- Gaekkebrev: Men send humorous, rhyming love notes called gaekkebrev, signed with dots instead of their names. If the recipient guesses the sender correctly, they earn an Easter egg later in the year.
- Cozy Celebrations: Couples enjoy cozy evenings at home or in cafes.
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7. Sweden
In Sweden, Valentine’s Day is known as Alla Hjärtans Dag (All Hearts’ Day) and is celebrated with warmth and affection.
- Friendship and Love: While romantic love is celebrated, Swedes also use the day to show appreciation for friends and family.
- Gifts and Flowers: Roses, chocolates, and heart-shaped gifts are popular.
- Candlelit Dinners: Couples enjoy intimate dinners, often featuring Swedish delicacies.
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8. Estonia
In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is called Sõbrapäev (Friends’ Day) and has a broader focus.
- Celebrating All Relationships: The day is not just for couples but also for friends and family. People exchange gifts and cards with loved ones.
- Community Events: Schools and workplaces often organize events to celebrate friendship and love.
- Romantic Gestures: Couples still exchange flowers, chocolates, and enjoy romantic dinners.
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9. Romania
Romania has a unique twist on Valentine’s Day, blending it with an ancient local tradition.
- Dragobete: Celebrated on February 24, Dragobete is a traditional Romanian holiday dedicated to love and nature. It is considered the day when birds begin to mate, symbolizing the start of spring and new love.
- Gifts and Celebrations: Couples exchange gifts and spend time together, often participating in outdoor activities.
- Love Charms: Some people still follow old customs, such as collecting snow to melt into “love water” for charms.
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10. Finland
In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä (Friends’ Day) and emphasizes friendship as much as romantic love.
- Friendship Cards: People send cards and small gifts to friends, not just romantic partners.
- Heart-Shaped Treats: Bakeries sell heart-shaped pastries and cakes, which are popular gifts.
- Community Celebrations: Schools and workplaces often organize events to celebrate friendship and camaraderie.
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Valentine’s Day in Europe is a beautiful blend of ancient traditions, modern customs, and cultural uniqueness. Whether it’s through romantic dinners, heartfelt gifts, or playful traditions, Europeans celebrate love in diverse and meaningful ways. No matter where you are in Europe, February 14 is a day to cherish and express love in all its forms.
