Chocolate, flowers, dinner, dancing, and most of all love. Everywhere you look on Valentine’s Day you can see love-birds holding hands and trading sweet poems and gifts and friends exchanging Valentine’s cards, balloons and hugs. Valentine’s Day can be celebrated by all and in many different ways, depending on where you are in the World.

In most of South America, Valentine’s Day is known as “El día del amor y la amistad,” or Love and Friendship Day. This special day is not just for lovers! Many groups of friends exchange Valentine’s cards and gifts and later go out for dinner, all in the name of friendship.

In Spain, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in much the same way as in the U.S. and the U.K. But many people also celebrate “El día del libro y la rosa” on April 23 in which men give their special lady a rose and she gives him a book in return.

This year in Venezuela, Valentine’s Day has been canceled! Or, rather, postponed until the 16th where it will be celebrated for a whole week. Hugo Chavez thought with such a big voter referendum coming up on February 15, that Valentine’s Day may be too distracting, so he just moved the celebration to the day after.

Colombia celebrates Valentine’s Day on September 20 where it is very popular to send gifts from secret admirers.

Bolivia also favors September for its day of love, celebrating el día del amor on September 21 in conjunction with Students’ Day, Day of Spring, and Children’s Day. It is common to give cards, flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears to friends, family, and loves.

No matter where you are, Valentine’s Day is a day for love and friendship and a great time to show those you love how you feel.

¡Feliz San Valentín! ¡Feliz día del amor y la amistad! ¡Feliz día de enamorados!