Chocolate Day, celebrated on February 9 as part of Valentine's Week, is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection through the exchange and enjoyment of chocolates. People gift chocolates to their loved ones as a sweet gesture of love, friendship, and appreciation. Chocolate has a long history, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. On this special day, here are some intriguing facts to share with your friends and family. (Unsplash)
2/8
Ancient Origins: Chocolate's story begins in ancient Central and South America, where the cacao tree grew wild. The Mayans and Aztecs treasured cacao beans, using them to brew a bitter, spicy drink for special ceremonies. (Unsplash)
3/8
European Introduction: When Spanish explorers encountered chocolate in the 16th century, they brought it back to Europe. Initially, it was a luxury enjoyed by the elite, but its popularity grew rapidly. (Unsplash)
Divine Delight: The scientific name for the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods" in Greek. This name reflects the reverence ancient civilizations had for chocolate. (Unsplash)
5/8
Cocoa Content: The percentage of cocoa in chocolate determines its flavor and health benefits. Dark chocolate with higher cocoa content is richer in antioxidants, which can promote heart health. (Unsplash)
9
Heidi Klum has cemented herself as the official Queen of Spooky Season, thanks to her wild, weird, and eccentric costumes every year for her annual Halloween bash.
9
Huang Zitao, also known as Z Tao or Tao, is a Chinese rapper, singer, producer, and actor who was a former member of the K-pop group EXO. He married actor and singer Xu Yiyang on October 16, 2025, in a grand ceremony held in China. The wedding was a spectacular affair, featuring multiple outfit changes. Here's a look at Xu Yi Yang's 10 gowns from her showstopping wedding. (All pics Reddit/ popculturechat and Instagram/ mayadstudios)
8
Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated this year on October 20, marking the victory of good over evil. During this time, families clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, and share sweets to welcome prosperity.
9
Models including Adriana Lima, Bella Hadid, Jasmine Tookes, Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio appear together on the runway during the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City on October 15.
