There are 5 number of countries around the world where the celebration of Valentine’s Day is either prohibited or restricted in some ways.
The reasons behind these restrictions vary depending on the country and its cultural, religious, or political context.
Here are the 5 countries that bans valentine’s day celebration
Iran
Valentine’s Day has been banned in Iran since 2010, with authorities citing concerns about the holiday’s Western origins and its perceived negative cultural and moral impact.
The government has warned against public displays of affection and the exchange of Valentine’s Day gifts, and shops are prohibited from selling related merchandise.
2. Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the public celebration of Valentine’s Day is strictly forbidden, as the holiday is seen as promoting immoral behavior and going against Islamic values.
The religious police, or Mutaween, are known to enforce this ban by patrolling public spaces and cracking down on any signs of celebration or romantic activity.
3. Pakistan
Valentine’s Day is not officially recognized in Pakistan, and some conservative religious groups have called for a ban on the holiday.
In recent years, there have been reports of police cracking down on shops selling Valentine’s Day cards and gifts, and public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
4. Malaysia
While Valentine’s Day is not explicitly banned in Malaysia, some Muslim groups have called for restrictions on the holiday, citing concerns about its perceived negative influences and links to pre-Islamic pagan traditions.
The government has also issued warnings about the potential for immoral behavior during Valentine’s Day celebrations.
5. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia, gained independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It is also known for its disapproval of Valentine’s Day celebrations.
The season of love was celebrated not until late 2012 when students started to misuse the holidays with some unlawful activities. This leads to valentine ban by the ministry of education.
Overall, the restrictions on Valentine’s Day in these countries reflect broader cultural, religious, and political concerns about the influence of Western values and the perceived threats to traditional moral and social norms.
In some cases, the restrictions on Valentine’s Day are part of a larger crackdown on public displays of affection or other forms of personal expression, while in other cases they reflect a desire to maintain a certain cultural or religious identity.
Regardless of the reasons behind the bans, they can make it difficult for people to express their love and affection openly and freely, and can lead to tension and conflict between different social groups.
Countries that are known for their Valentine’s Day traditions and celebrations
1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. France
4. Italy
5. South Korea
