Valentine’s Day is normally a holiday people in America love or hate. However, Valentine’s Day is actually a commemorative day of Saint Valentine, a saint who served under Emperor Claudius II in 3rd century Rome. The Emperor thought that young, single men made better soldiers than married ones and so he outlawed marriage. Saint Valentine disagreed with this so he started performing marriages for young people in love. When the Emperor found out, Saint Valentine was sentenced to death. Now, people across the world celebrate Valentine’s Day as a day of love.

In America, people might think Valentine’s Day traditions have been commercialized just for profit. Americans spend over $21.8 billion on Valentine’s Day every year for gifts, flowers, and chocolates. Within the holiday meant to be celebrated as a chance to spend time with loved ones and appreciate one another, many can get caught up in the superficiality of buying expensive gifts.

Valentine’s Day in Argentina is quite different. Many couples can be found in local restaurants and shops displaying their love for each other publicly. This is quite different than the United States because here, there is a sort of stigma around showing PDA (Public Displays of Affection). Not only is love celebrated for one day a year, but for a whole week in July. The celebration is called: “Semana de la Dulzura”. Argentinians will participate in a tradition called “un chocolate por un beso.” Whenever someone gives you chocolate during Semana de la Dulzura, you have to give them a kiss. It’s quite a fun and silly tradition for all people from all walks of life to participate in during the week of love. 

Contrary to the United States, Valentine’s Day is only celebrated by couples in France. Children do not give cards or presents to friends, parents, or siblings on this day, and it is mainly commercially celebrated with gifts and dinners between significant others. Paris is known worldwide for being the city of love and many people flock there’s on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends and to appreciate all they bring into your life. If you have a significant other to celebrate this Valentines Day, thats great! But if you dont, that’s also great. Either way, you’re awesome! Kindness, happiness, community, love, and candy are all important commodities to be grateful for this Valentine’s Day!