Rain dampens valentine’s day plans
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday February 18, 2025 13:24
Shops selling flowers, chocolates, and themed gifts see a sharp rise in demand, while restaurants prepare for one of their busiest nights of the year. However, unexpected rainfall disrupted celebrations, particularly for those who had planned outdoor dates or lacked private transport. A shop attendant at Pick & Pay, Riverwalk, confirmed that sales increased significantly in the days leading to February 14. “We stock more flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears because people want to buy something special,” he said. Another retailer observed that many customers waited until the last minute. “By the afternoon of the 14th, people were rushing in, looking for whatever was left,” she said. However, not all businesses experienced the same boom. A supermarket employee at Clicks noted that while chocolates and cards sold well, other Valentine’s-themed items remained on shelves. “Not everyone buys into the idea,” he said. For couples, Valentine’s Day meant different things. A young man shared that he started planning weeks in advance. “It’s important to do something nice for your partner. I always make sure I buy a gift and take her out,” he said. Others took a more reserved approach. A married woman said: “We don’t do much anymore. When we were younger, it was exciting, but now it’s just another day.”
However, rainfall on the day disrupted plans for many, especially those who had planned outdoor picnics. A couple in Tlokweng had to cancel their picnic at a local park. “We had everything ready, but then it started raining, and we had nowhere else to go,” one of them said. Another couple in Gaborone, who rely on public transport, struggled with the weather. “We don’t have a car, and the rain made it difficult to move around. We ended up staying home,” one woman said. A street vendor selling flowers also expressed frustration. “The rain came at the worst time. Some people who wanted to buy from me just ran for cover instead,” he said. Some Batswana see Valentine’s Day as unnecessary. An older man remarked: “This is a modern thing. In our time, we didn’t need a specific day to show love.”
Another person said: “People spend too much money to prove love when it should be shown every day.” The financial aspect of Valentine’s Day is a concern for some. A university student at Limkokwing University Creative Technology admitted feeling pressured to buy a gift despite a limited budget. “My girlfriend expects something, but I can’t afford it. It’s stressful,” he said. A shop assistant noted that certain customers prioritised affordability. “Some people come in asking for the cheapest Valentine’s gifts because they don’t want to spend too much,” she said. Restaurants and entertainment venues also saw increased activity. A waitress at Park 27 confirmed that bookings filled up quickly. “We prepared special menus and decorations, and by February 10th, most tables were reserved,” he said. However, a waiter in a different establishment noted that some customers complained about inflated prices. “People say Valentine’s meals are too expensive, but they still come,” he said. Despite mixed opinions and the impact of rain, Valentine’s Day remained a significant date for businesses and couples in Botswana. Whether viewed as a romantic celebration or a commercial event, its influence was evident in increased shopping and dining activity, even if some plans were washed away by the weather.