It's that time of year again. Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is upon us once more. As people here in the UK spend the day exchanging cards, chocolates and flowers, we thought we would take a look at how it is celebrated in some top TEFL destinations around the world.
1. Spain
Most Spaniards will be doing much the same as us Britons, except those in the North-Eastern region of Catalonia. Catalans instead celebrate La Diada de Sant Jordi (otherwise known as St George's Day) on April 23rd. Traditionally this is marked by men giving women roses and women giving them books in return.
2. Peru
As in most of Latin America, Valentine's Day is about friendship as well as love. Many Peruvians take part in 'Secreto Amigo'. The game is similar to Secret Santa and involves giving gifts anonymously.
3. Estonia
Estonians take the friendship theme even further. They observe Sõbrapäev on February 14th, which is a celebration based entirely on platonic love.
4. Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities consider the holiday to be un-Islamic and as a result the sale of Valentine's Day gifts have been banned on a number of occasions!
5. South Korea
There are three separate celebrations in South Korea. On February 14th women give chocolates to men and a month later, on something known as 'White Day', they return the favour. A month after that, on 'Black Day', single South Koreans mourn their loneliness by eating a dark-noodle dish called Jajangmyeon!
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| Giving gifts in Catalonia, Spain |
1. Spain
Most Spaniards will be doing much the same as us Britons, except those in the North-Eastern region of Catalonia. Catalans instead celebrate La Diada de Sant Jordi (otherwise known as St George's Day) on April 23rd. Traditionally this is marked by men giving women roses and women giving them books in return.
2. Peru
As in most of Latin America, Valentine's Day is about friendship as well as love. Many Peruvians take part in 'Secreto Amigo'. The game is similar to Secret Santa and involves giving gifts anonymously.
3. Estonia
Estonians take the friendship theme even further. They observe Sõbrapäev on February 14th, which is a celebration based entirely on platonic love.
4. Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities consider the holiday to be un-Islamic and as a result the sale of Valentine's Day gifts have been banned on a number of occasions!
5. South Korea
There are three separate celebrations in South Korea. On February 14th women give chocolates to men and a month later, on something known as 'White Day', they return the favour. A month after that, on 'Black Day', single South Koreans mourn their loneliness by eating a dark-noodle dish called Jajangmyeon!
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| Single South Koreans chowing down on 'Black Day' |
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