Despite warnings from the Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue, many young people in Afghanistan celebrated February 14th, Valentine’s Day. While the ministry’s spokesperson expressed regret over the holiday, calling it deeply rooted in foreign culture, reports and videos from citizens show that the market for buying flowers and gifts remained active in several areas.
Social media reactions have been mixed but passionate. While some view these celebrations as a deviation, many others argue that amidst news of war and violence, expressing love for one’s spouse and family is a human necessity. One user ironically noted that the Taliban remain silent on banning girls’ education but react instantly to a flower being sold.
Citizens have also warned that excessive strictness on personal and emotional matters, which harm no one, only drives people away from religious values. Despite moral police patrolling some areas to prevent flower sales, Afghan youth demonstrated that they will not forget small excuses for happiness.
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