Events

How is Valentine’s Day Celebrated Around The World?

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Each year, February 14th brings Valentine’s Day—a day of celebrating friendships, partners, and love in all its forms. In the United States, the holiday is mainly celebrated by going to restaurants, exchanging presents, and buying flowers and candy. Each Valentine’s Day, Americans spend billions of dollars signifying how important it is to show loved ones how much they mean. But what about Valentine’s Day traditions in other parts of the world?

Japan – In Japan, Valentine’s Day is primarily a day for women to give chocolates to the men in their lives. The practice, known as giri-choco, is often directed toward male coworkers or friends rather than romantic partners. A month later, on White Day—each March 14th—men return the favor by giving gifts, typically white chocolate, to the women who gave them chocolates on Valentine’s Day.

Italy – In Italy, Valentine’s Day—known as La Festa Degli Innamorati—is a romantic holiday and is celebrated similarly to how it is in the United States. Couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates. But, in Italy, there is also a tradition of giving baci perugina, or Perugina chocolates, which come with romantic phrases printed on the wrappers.

Brazil – Valentine’s Day is known as Dia dos Namorados (Lover’s Day) in Brazil, and couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates. However, in Brazil, Saint Anthony is also known as the “Saint of Love” and is celebrated on June 13th. It is traditional for couples to exchange gifts and go to church on this day.

Overall, while Valentine’s Day is a holiday of romance and love, different countries have their own traditions. Some countries focus on romantic love, while others include friends and family.

No matter when, where, or how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, we wish you and your loved ones a day full of love.

Events

Italian Feast & Carnival Returns to Tappan Sept. 10–13, 2026

Published

6 days ago

August 7, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

One of the Hudson Valley’s largest celebrations of Italian heritage is set to return this September as the annual Italian Feast & Carnival takes over Masonic Park Fairgrounds in Tappan.

The four-day event will be held September 10–13, 2026, at Masonic Park Fairgrounds, 89 Western Highway, Tappan, conveniently located near the Palisades Parkway, Exit 5 South.

Organizers describe the festival as the largest cultural event in Rockland and Westchester counties, featuring authentic Italian food, carnival rides, games, family-friendly activities, and free live entertainment throughout the weekend.

The festival schedule includes:

Thursday, Sept. 10: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11: 5 p.m. to Midnight
Saturday, Sept. 12: Noon to Midnight
Sunday, Sept. 13: Noon to 9 p.m., with an Outdoor Mass at 10 a.m.

Guests can also enjoy a casino, a Super 50/50 Grand Prize Raffle, and a variety of attractions for all ages.

Admission is $10 per person, and free parking will be available on-site.

Festival organizers remind attendees that outside food and beverages, coolers, backpacks, and pets are not permitted on the grounds.

Events

Free National Night Out 2026 Clover Stadium on August 6

Published

1 week ago

August 4, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The annual National Night Out will return to Clover Stadium on Thursday, August 6, bringing together law enforcement, first responders, and the community for an evening of family-friendly activities and entertainment.

The free event begins at 5 p.m., with the official ceremony scheduled to start on the field at 6:30 p.m. A baseball game will follow at 7 p.m.

National Night Out is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement, emergency responders, and the communities they serve. The event offers residents an opportunity to meet local police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders in a fun and welcoming environment.

Attendees can enjoy live music, face painting, bounce houses, giveaways, and interactive activities for all ages. Police, fire, and emergency vehicles will be on display, along with K-9 demonstrations and mounted police horses.

Organizers say the event is free and open to the public, encouraging families from across Rockland County to attend and spend an evening with the men and women who serve their communities.

National Night Out has been celebrated nationwide since 1984 and has become an annual tradition in communities across the country, promoting public safety, crime prevention, and stronger partnerships between residents and first responders.