Every April 13th is celebrated International Kissing DayA date that has been gaining traction in the media, social networks, and everyday conversation despite not being officially recognized by organizations like the UN. Far from being a mere calendar footnote, it has become an opportunity to talk about affection, health, culture and ways of relating in an increasingly digitalized world.
The anniversary originated in connection with a remarkable record achieved in Thailand, but today it also serves to remember the role of kissing in daily lifeFrom greetings between friends and family in Spain and Europe, to its presence in film, social media, and the great media moments that have been etched in the collective memory.
The curious origin of International Kissing Day
International Kissing Day did not originate from an institutional campaign or an official declaration, but from a love endurance contest Held in Thailand. In the city of Pattaya, a kissing competition has been organized for years around Valentine's Day, where several couples face the challenge of keeping their lips glued together for as long as possible.
In one of these editions, a Thai couple, Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, achieved a first historical record in 2011. 46 hours of non-stop kissingThe feat went around the world and ended up marking April 13th on many calendars for the first time as a day dedicated to kissing.
Two years later, the same protagonists surpassed themselves again in that competition and set what continues to be the longest kiss on record In Guinness World Records: 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds of uninterrupted kissing. The rules were strict: they could not separate even to go to the bathroom, they had to remain standing, in constant contact, and also prove that they were a stable couple or married.
The challenge even included formal requirements: the couples had to be legally married or prove a stable relationship through documentation and family letters. The prize, in addition to media attention, included a cash reward of around 2.500 euros and two diamond rings.
The category was eventually removed by Guinness because of the physical and logistical requirements which implied, giving the record an almost legendary air. However, the story had already caught on: the media and social networks began to refer to April 13 as International Kissing Day, and the date became established as a popular commemoration that is maintained purely out of social custom.
It is important, in any case, not to confuse this anniversary with other similar dates. In some English-speaking countries, they speak of the World Kissing Day July 6th is also a day to celebrate National Kissing Day, also in July, with a different meaning and origin. This coexistence of days demonstrates that There is no single official date.but rather several cultural celebrations centered around the same gesture.
A story thousands of years old: from ancient ritual to everyday gesture
Although International Kissing Day has a relatively recent origin, the gesture itself has very ancient rootsTexts from India dating back thousands of years already contain descriptions of actions similar to kissing as a sign of intimacy and closeness. In ancient Rome, kissing could express respect, friendship, or romantic relationships, and different types of kisses were used depending on social standing and the nature of the relationship between the people.
In medieval Europe, the kiss also had a social and political functionSubjects kissed the hand or ring of their lords as a sign of submission and respect, and pacts could be sealed with a kiss as a gesture of commitment. Over time, this ceremonial dimension gave way to the intimate kiss, more closely linked to romantic love and the private sphere.
Today, the kiss moves between the everyday and the extraordinary. It is a gesture that can appear in family rituals, informal greetings, or moments of great emotional significance, such as farewells at train stations, long reunions, or sporting celebrations. Its versatility allows it to take on very different meanings while remaining recognizable almost everywhere on the planet.
On a cultural level, the kiss remains a powerful symbol. It has been present in works of art, literature and filmAnd even today, it features prominently in films, television series, and advertising campaigns. The image of two people kissing embodies ideas of love, trust, alliance, or even conflict, and its interpretation depends heavily on the context.
In parallel, the expansion of mobile devices and video calls has introduced symbolic versions of the kiss: emoticons, voice messages, photos, and videos that seek to reproduce, in some way, that physical display of affection When face-to-face interaction is not possible, direct contact remains a difficult-to-replace element.
How people kiss in Spain and Europe: a common language with its own accents
Kissing is an almost universal language, but It is not used the same way everywhereIn Spain, it's customary to greet each other with two kisses on the cheeks in informal settings, especially among family, friends, and acquaintances. It's an almost automatic gesture that serves as an affectionate introduction.
In other nearby European countries, such as Switzerland, Belgium, or the Netherlands, it is common to greet with three kissesIn the Dutch case, a specific order is even followed: first on the left cheek, then on the right, and then back to the left. Small variations that show how the same gesture takes on very marked local nuances.
In the political and diplomatic spheres, there have also been forms of kissing with strong symbolic meaning. The one known as “Russian kiss” or “socialist fraternal kiss” For decades, it was a standard greeting between leaders of communist countries, with the famous image of Brezhnev and Honecker being one of the most widely circulated examples. It was a gesture designed to convey unity, equality, and ideological affinity.
In other regions, such as parts of the Arab world, it is maintained kiss on the forehead as a sign of respect and deep affection, especially towards older people or figures of particular family importance. Again, the gesture is recognizable, but its form and specific meaning change according to tradition.
This cultural diversity means that April 13th is not only experienced as a day of curiosities, but as a moment to observe how Social norms regulate physical contactIn some societies, kissing in public is natural; in others, it is reserved for private moments or viewed with suspicion, which also influences how the event is perceived.
What happens in the body when you kiss: hormones, muscles and defenses
Although many people see kissing primarily as a romantic gesture, science has been studying it for years because of its physical and emotional impactExperts in family medicine, neuroscience, and psychology agree that kissing triggers a cascade of reactions in the body that influence overall well-being.
From a muscular point of view, it has been calculated that a kiss can activate up to 34 facial muscles and more than a hundred postural muscles. This effort helps improve circulation in the facial area and promotes collagen production, which helps to prevent sagging and wrinkles to some extent. It's not a substitute for other skincare, but it is a good, natural workout.
In terms of energy expenditure, a passionate kiss can burn between 2 and 26 calories per minuteDepending on the intensity and posture, it's not a sporting activity per se, but it adds to the set of everyday movements that, when repeated, have a slight effect on weight and physical tone.
At a hormonal and brain level, kissing activates the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotoninSubstances linked to pleasure, attachment, and mood regulation. This combination helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, generating a feeling of calm, security, and closeness toward the other person.
At the same time, kissing produces slight vasodilation, which can contribute to lower blood pressure In some people, it stimulates saliva production. This increased salivation helps clean the mouth, eliminates bacteria, and neutralizes acids that affect tooth enamel, so kissing also has a positive effect on oral health.
One of the most striking aspects is the exchange of microorganisms. In just ten seconds of an intense kiss, tens of millions of bacteria can be exchanged. Far from being merely a risk, this exchange functions, in many cases, as a “natural micro vaccine” that exposes the immune system to new agents and strengthens its response capabilities.
Psychology specialists also emphasize that almost all kisses, given or received, leave an emotional imprint. By activating areas of the brain related to the reward circuit, bonding, and emotional memory, a kiss contributes to... strengthen the sense of belonging and self-esteem, provided it occurs in a context of respect and consent.
The kiss as an emotional gesture and a tool for bonding
Beyond the physiological data, the value of a kiss is best understood if it is viewed as a form of non-verbal communicationA kiss can convey affection, desire, support, or comfort without the need for a single word, and that is why many people remember it as part of some of the most significant moments of their lives.
Psychologists specializing in emotional bonding emphasize that kissing can make a person feel chosen, important and taken into accountThat feeling of being valued becomes integrated into the way one perceives oneself and how one interprets the relationship with the other person, whether partner, family member or close friend.
This emotional charge explains why, even in contexts of conflict or tension, a kiss can function as gesture of reconciliation or the closing of a complicated stage. It doesn't solve the problems on its own, but it acts as a symbolic marker that signals a change in tone in the relationship.
In the family setting, the kiss also plays an important role. Many fathers, mothers, grandparents, and siblings use it as daily show of affectionFrom a goodnight kiss to a greeting upon arriving home, these small rituals reinforce a sense of security in childhood and build long-term trust.
In romantic relationships, kissing serves various purposes: it can begin a relationship, maintain intimacy over time, or rekindle closeness after periods of stress or distance. The way a kiss is given, its frequency, and the context reveal a great deal about the relationship. the state of the linkeven when it is not verbalized.
Kisses that made history in Spain, Europe and popular culture
The symbolic power of the kiss is also reflected in the number of media moments that revolve around this gesture. In Spain, one of the most memorable in recent years is the kiss between Iker Casillas and journalist Sara Carbonero after the 2010 South Africa World Cup final. That scene, broadcast live during an interview, became an icon of celebration and shared emotion, and is reminiscent of other places with history such as the Kiss alley.
Surveys conducted by European photo printing platforms indicate that a large majority of participants identify that kiss as one of the most memorable of recent Spanish sport, although many of these studies do not detail the size or exact origin of the sample, so their results should be read with caution.
Internationally, other kisses have been landmarks: the one by Britney Spears and Madonna The 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, or the first public kiss between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, widely shared on social media, are examples of how this gesture is used to construct media narratives, send symbolic messages, or simply fuel public conversation.
The presence of the kiss in film has also played a key role in normalizing the gesture. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock sought ways to circumvent the restrictions of the censorship of its time. In the film "Notorious" (1946), for example, a sequence of small, interrupted kisses lasting more than two minutes was used to circumvent the rule that limited their duration on screen.
These kinds of strategies helped the kiss cease to be seen as scandalous in commercial cinema and instead occupy a central place in romantic narratives. Over time, kissing scenes in the rain, in train stations, or in grand movie finales have become... classic images from the collective imagination.
In the age of the internet and digital platforms, photos and videos of kisses have multiplied. Some studies on image consumption indicate that a significant portion of people consider that Kissing photos are important for the image they project on social media, and that many users admit to comparing themselves to what they see online, which can influence their self-esteem and their perception of their own relationships.
The kiss in the age of screens: social media, self-esteem, and authenticity
Social media has changed the way gestures of affection are displayed and shared. What was once private can now become viral content in a matter of minutesAnd that affects how kisses are experienced and interpreted, especially among younger people.
Some analyses indicate that around one-fifth of those surveyed recognize to compare themselves to images of kisses that they see on the internet. This phenomenon can create pressure to reproduce idyllic or highly aesthetic scenes, far removed from everyday reality, and fuel unrealistic expectations about relationships.
From a psychological perspective, the importance of understanding the kiss as a genuine expression of affectionand not as a gesture intended only to be photographed or shared. Maintaining this perspective helps protect self-esteem and prevents external validation, in the form of "likes" or comments, from outweighing the actual experience of the moment.
At the same time, digital platforms have allowed certain gestures, previously reserved for film or major events, to become commonplace in our social media feeds: celebratory kisses at weddings, sporting achievements, family reunions, or even protests and demonstrations. This exposure contributes to normalizing a wide variety of forms of love and affectionalthough it also opens up debates about privacy and overexposure.
Despite everything, the essence of April 13th as International Kissing Day remains relatively simple: to take advantage of the date to Remember the importance of human contact in an increasingly screen-mediated environment. The anniversary works, in part, because it appeals to an experience shared by almost everyone, regardless of age, language, or borders.
A small gesture with an impact that goes far beyond April 13th
International Kissing Day originated from a striking record in Thailand, has spread across the globe without institutional support, and coexists with other similar dates on the popular calendar, but its strength cannot be explained solely by this anecdote. By focusing on the kiss, this day allows us to talk simultaneously about history, health, culture, media and daily life, connecting aspects that are normally analyzed separately.
A kiss can activate dozens of muscles, help burn calories, improve circulation, stimulate the release of feel-good hormones, reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and reinforce emotional bonds. It can also be a greeting in Spain, a gesture of respect in other regions, a political symbol, a scene from a movie, a photo on social media, or simply a family tradition before bed. In all these cases, it has one thing in common: It's a direct way of expressing closeness without words..
Perhaps that's why, even though many people still don't know that April 13th is a day dedicated to kissing, they rarely need to consult the calendar to do it. The commemoration, after all, doesn't create the gesture, but it does offer an excuse to pay attention to it and remember that, amidst notifications, screens, and the rush of daily life, such a simple act of contact still has enormous weight in how we relate to each other and how we feel.