You may be a total romantic, or perhaps, you’re a bit over the cards, roll your eyes at red roses, and cringe at thought of ‘eating out in public’ competing to be more romantic than the couple next you. Rather than ignore the day altogether, check out this list of 5 quirky Valentines Day traditions from around the world and consider switching things up!

Philippines
Mass weddings are often organised on Valentines Day in the Philippines by local governments to help impoverished couples take their wedding vows. In these ceremonies it is not uncommon for over 1,000 couples to be married at the same time and place on Valentines day. That’s a lot of taffeta in one place!

South Africa
In South Africa women wear their hearts on their sleeves (quite literally). Women will pin a heart or ribbon with their loved one’s name written on it, to their sleeve or chest, in the hopes that the admired one will notice.

France
The French take the language of love to the next level in the small village of St Valentine. Not one but three days are dedicated to Valentines Day (12th-14th February) with celebrations including lining the streets with red roses, a lovers garden (where, unsurprisingly, some couples choose to propose ) and even a “Tree of Vows” made up of countless declarations of love.

Korea
Why have one Valentines Day when you can have 12? In Korea, 14th February is in fact only one of 12 ‘Love Days’ which are celebrated on the 14th of every month. Other days include ‘White Day’ and ‘Black Day’ but on Valentines Day, rather than the all-affecting celebration it is in the rest of the world, in Korea only women give chocolate to men as a sign of affection. They may return this favour on another month in the year.

Czech Republic
Valentines Day is a rather new celebration in the Czech Republic as It wasn’t really known until after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Traditionally Czechs have celebrated their love on 1st May, commonly known as the “Day of Love”.  In keeping with Czech superstitions, on the 1^st May couples find a blossoming cherry tree to share a kiss under to ensure happiness and health. Awwwww.