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In these countries, it is forbidden to celebrate Valentine's Day

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To get straight to the point: I have very little to do with Valentine's Day. I find nothing romantic about it at all. Purely commercial nonsense. I used to think differently: it is also my parents' wedding day. Ahh, did romance really exist then? Nah, it just happened to be on a Monday and you could get married for free at the town hall. Okay, goodbye romance.

Yet we all participate and you see hearts for sale everywhere. In the form of chocolate, balloons, lollipops: Valentine's Day is e-ve-ry-where. Except in these countries. There it is completely forbidden.

1. Saudi Arabia
Don't even think about selling Valentine's Day items here as a shop owner. This ‘holiday’ is banned in this country, as showing affection in public goes against the ideologies of the country. Stores are checked to ensure they are not secretly selling Valentine's Day-related items, as you risk being arrested, along with a hefty punishment.

2. Uzbekistan
Islam is the main religion in Uzbekistan, and Valentine's Day does not really fit in there. However, they had a sort of ‘tolerance policy’ regarding February 14, until it was decided in 2021 that the day really cannot be celebrated. This was determined by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Enlightenment and the Promotion of Values. However, they did provide a substitute: they celebrate the day of their national currency called Babur.

3. Indonesia
It is not nationally forbidden to celebrate Valentine's Day, but it is in certain regions. In Surabaya and Makassar, for example, it is not really appreciated, where the residents adhere to a more radical Muslim faith. In Banda Aceh, however, Valentine's Day is completely banned. Do you like Valentine's Day and are you in Indonesia? Then go to Jakarta, where it is quite popular.

4. Iran
The government has banned the production of all Valentine's gifts and items. Promoting Valentine's Day has also been banned, as it is seen as spreading Western cultures. However, they have a substitute for this day: they celebrate Mehregan in Iran, an ancient festival that existed in Iran before Islam was introduced. This festival honors the yazata Mehr, who represents friendship, love, and affection.

5. Pakistan
This country has the second-largest Muslim population in the world, so it will be no surprise that Valentine's Day is not really a popular holiday here. However, its popularity is growing among young people, resulting in several protests — until ultimately, a week before February 14 in 2018, the Islamabad High Court definitively banned the day.

6. Malaysia
In 2005, Malaysia issued a fatwa prohibiting the celebration of Valentine's Day; they considered it a day that was primarily a recipe for disaster, such as young people abandoning their moral values and principles. Additionally, they still hold an anti-Valentine's Day campaign every year. Do you celebrate it openly? Then you risk being arrested.

Source: GTE Localize