Valentine's Day in France and the World

Since I live abroad, I always have a healthy interest in the local traditions, especially the way to celebrate celebrations such as Christmas, Easter and obviously Valentine's Day. I believe this is what makes each country unique:to the richness of diversity.

So I wondered: How do they celebrate Valentine's Day in the rest of the world? It was not possible to receive information from any nation, but the help of the Italian community abroad was valuable to discover many pleasant and romantic traditions.

France: as in Italy, but with less emphasis.

The French Valentine's Day is not much different from the Italian Valentine's Day. Couples go out for dinner, some exchange flowers and small gifts, those who have more time spend a day off or a weekend off. But I have never seen in Paris windows decorated in style, theme evenings or special menus in restaurants. It may happen that florists sell a little more than usual and that many companies offer special discounts and gadgetsBut in France I have never noticed the same commercial emphasis with which Italy celebrates the feast of lovers.

It may be that Paris is already romantic of its own, but Valentine’s Day in France, more than a controlled party, seems almost an extra opportunity to enjoy a precious break from routine and frenetic life. I mean, a day like many others but with a special touch.

The Netherlands Valentine's Day is celebrated very little and those who do it at the most give a ticket, chocolates, flowers, but no expensive gift. My partner and I don't usually exchange gifts, but we offer ourselves an evening all for ourselves and some extra attention.

Finland: Valentine’s Day is the feast of friendship.

I was pleasantly impressed by the meaning of Valentine's Day in Finland. It is not about the feast of lovers but about friends and his Finnish name is Ystäväpäivä, or "friend's day".

The meetings consist of dinners at the restaurant, aperitifs or simple coffees with bouquets of flowers and notes with phrases that celebrate friendship. The only difference is that instead of couples, at the table you will find good friends. Friendship is also a form of love, isn’t it? So the essence of Valentine’s Day is still intact in this part of the world! Even overseas, in Canada, the day is dedicated to friendship, while in United States Love and affection in general is celebrated and not only romantic love is celebrated. Another tradition that I find really wonderful!

In this nice Article find on feedback of an Italian in Finland on its very first Ystäväpäivä!