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How Valentine's is celebrated around the world

How February 14th is celebrated everywhere, from the plush restaurants in Lagos and Abuja, to the rainforests of Brazil and Ecuador...

Generally, people all over the world exchange romantic gifts, and express love in the most beautiful manners possible on February 14.

Apart from this, there are some other special twists and modifications to the celebration in some parts of the world.

So, from Africa to South America, Asia and The Americas, here are the special ways people celebrate Valentine's day around the world.

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Brazil

Brazilians do not celebrate Valentine's on February 14 because carnivals are celebrated around February and March. Lover's day is instead celebrated in June where gifts are exchanged with lovers and loved ones.

South Africa

Valentine's is celebrated in South Africa like in many other countries of the world -  with a little special twist.

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According to Huffington Post, "[some men get to know women secretly crushing on them on Val's day] as women pin the names of their love interest on their shirtsleeves, an ancient Roman tradition known as ."

France

The country has the reputation of one of the most romantic countries in the world so it is not surprising that Valentine's day cards originated from there.

It’s been said that the world-wide trend began when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415.

Nigeria

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In Nigeria, as in many other parts of the world, Valentine's is celebrated on February 14, and especially in the cities like Lagos and Abuja, people often wear red clothes, or accesories. The colour white is also usually common.

Flowers are sold in abundance, many gifts are shared, romantic dinners, chocolates, teddy bears, etc.

From university campuses to the metropolis, love making sessions also go down.

A running joke is that people born in November are products of love made on Valentine's day.

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Phillipines

Mass weddings have characterised Val's day in Phillipines in recent times. Lovers gather to have mass weddings where new couples say their wedding vows, and the old ones renew theirs.

South Korea

Val's day is very popular in South Korea with a variation of it celebrated in March and April, too.

In February, it's called Val's day where women give men gifts ranging from chocolates and other gifts, In march it's called White day and guys do the giving.

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April 14th is known as Black day and it is for single men and women to mourn their solitary status by eating dark bowls of jajangmyeon, or black bean-paste noodles.

Europe

Some European countries have a tradition where lovers give each other St Valentine’s keys as romantic gestures and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart.

Turkey

Val's isn't very celebrated in the country but in places such as  Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir, the magic of love is celebrated with bright lights, overpriced roses sold by old ladies, and parties for single people.

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Wales

The Welsh skip February 14 and instead celebrate their lover's day on January 25th and it is called St. Dwynwen's Day.

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