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5 Countries Where Valentine’s Day Is Not Celebrated [See list]

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

February is synonymous with love and Valentine’s Day.

While many embrace the romantic gestures and gift-giving associated with February 14th, a handful of countries actively discourage or even ban the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

These prohibitions often stem from religious or cultural beliefs that view the holiday as either inappropriate.

Here’s a look at some of the countries that don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, and the reasoning behind their stance:

1. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country located in Southwest Asia that occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula. Valentine’s Day is in violation of Saudi Arabia’s ideology where public expressions of affection are forbidden.

There are numerous foreign Christian workers in Saudi Arabia. Although foreigners are welcome to enter and work in this prosperous economy, they are not allowed to practice their religion here. As a result, on February 14th, all Valentine’s Day-related activity, such as the sale of red roses or teddy bears, was outlawed.

2. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is well-known for its long history and diversified culture, with Islam being the predominant religion. For many years, the government tolerated Valentine’s Day celebrations until 2012, when the Ministry of Education’s Department of Enlightenment and the Promotion of Values issued an internal regulation prohibiting such celebrations.

Instead of Valentine’s Day, people in Uzbekistan commemorate the birthday of their country’s hero, Babur, the Mughal Emperor. Valentine’s Day is not banned, although it is greatly discouraged in favor of honoring Babur.

3. Indonesia
In truth, no legislation in Indonesia officially prohibits the day’s commemoration. However, in other sections of the country, such as Surabaya and Makassar, where people hold more extremist Muslim views, intimidation techniques or small-scale prohibitions are used, and Bando Aceh has an entire ban.

In recent years, there have been various protests stating that Valentine’s Day promotes casual premarital sex and alcohol usage, both of which are absolutely prohibited by Islamic law. Despite this, young people in Jakarta continue to openly and enthusiastically celebrate the day.

4. Iran
Iran is an Islamic nation run by religious leaders. The government has banned the production of all Valentine’s Day gifts and goods. The marketing of this romantic love event is also prohibited because it is viewed as a spread of Western culture.

A proposal has been made to replace Valentine’s Day with Mehregan, an ancient Iranian celebration that predates Islam. This event honors Yazata Mehr, who is responsible for friendship, love, and affection.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan, home to the world’s second-largest Muslim population, has conflicting sentiments about Valentine’s Day. As the popularity of Valentine’s Day among the younger generation grows, multiple riots have broken out in this country to condemn the celebration.

A private citizen petitioned the High Court of Islamabad to get the day banned. Finally, on February 7th, 2018, the Islamabad High Court prohibited Valentine’s Day celebrations and media coverage, citing a Western cultural import that opposed Islamic teachings. Not everyone in Pakistan supports this choice, particularly university students and flower vendors who performed well on Valentine’s Day.

(VANGUARD)

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

1 hour ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

20 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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