No Valentine for Afghans - 22nd February 2023

Valentine's Day didn't go well for florists and balloon sellers in Kabul in Afghanistan. The Taliban authorities warned people not to celebrate it. In the past few years, some people in the big cities have celebrated the day of love.

But days before 14th February, the authorities put posters in every shop. It reminded people that Valentine's Day wasn't Islamic or part of Afghan culture. This meant that florist Omar had many red roses that he couldn't sell.

Omar: "The market for people buying flowers is no good and also you know that people are not allowed to buy them. The Taliban aren't allowing people to buy flowers."

The government sent out police. They watched the flower market and balloon sellers. Shoppers weren't allowed to buy romantic gifts.

Zahrah used to celebrate every year, so she's unhappy.

Zahrah: "Because I have a marriage of love, we celebrate this day every year. It is important for me."

Zahrah changed her plans and celebrated her happy marriage at home.

Zahrah: "The situation has changed. We can't celebrate it like other years. But we still celebrate it. There are some restrictions, but we celebrate it at home."

The Taliban became the leaders in 2021. They've introduced strict rules for many things, like music and social media. They've also taken away women's rights to education and work. The strict rules have limited social life.