we've compiled the different ways the day is marked or celebrated in different countries. Here's a glimpse:

Japan : Japanese Valentine’s tradition switches up traditional gender roles around the holiday, with women often presenting chocolates to men instead of vice versa. Many women will also take the extra step of making their own chocolate to give as gifts on the holiday.

Ghana : Though Ghanaians have adopted many of the same Valentine’s traditions as other parts of the world, since 2007, Feb.14 has also been known as “National Chocolate Day” in Ghana, one of the world’s largest cocoa exporters.

Philippines : One Valentine’s Day tradition that has become increasingly popular in the Philippines is the mass wedding celebration , which brings together hundreds of couples in large, open spaces across the country to be married in a colossal public ceremony. Around 4,000 couples were married in Valentine’s Day mass wedding ceremonies in 2013.

Guatemala : Valentine’s Day is known as El Día del Cariño in Guatemala, where affection for friends and family is as important as with romantic partners. Guatemala City marks the holiday with lots of colorful pageantry, with revelers dressing up in feathered masks and Mayan-inspired clothing, as well as a senior citizen’s parade.

South Africa : Some young South Africans celebrate Valentine’s Day by pinning the name of their sweetheart to their sleeve, in a tradition that is known in the country as Lupercalia , in reference to the ancient Roman fertility festival that preceded Valentine’s Day in the West.

Estonia : In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is called “Friend’s Day” so that single people are not left out of the festivities. While streets may still be decorated with hearts and other Valentine’s symbols, there is also an emphasis on nonromantic love, with friends and family members exchanging presents on the holiday. But if you’re still looking for romance, singles also have the opportunity to take a ride on a special “ love bus ” on the holiday.