Latin-American Valentine’s Day Traditions

1 Give Orchids Instead of Roses

In Peru, local lovers mark the occasion by giving each other orchids, which are native to the country — roses are more of a Mother's Day thing there.

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2 Organize a Game of Amigo Secreto

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There’s plenty of lighthearted Valentine’s Day fun to be had in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador, where girls and boys play a game referred to as angelito (little angel) or amigo secreto (secret friend). The game is basically like Secret Santa, and it involves exchanging names written on slips of paper, and then giving your angelito or amigo a sweet gift.

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3 Prepare a Serenade

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In Ecuador, it’s still common for men to wait for nightfall to serenade their ladies outside of their houses. How’s that for romance?

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4 Exchange Candy For a Kiss

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You just might want to plan to spend your next Valentine’s Day in Argentina, where El Día de los Enamorados (lovers’ day) isn't the only celebration of love in the year. During the first week in July, known as sweet week, lovers exchange candy for kisses. The holiday was originally created by a sweets company, but everyone loved it so it stuck.

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5 Be a Secret Admirer

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Between Sept. 20 and 21, Bolivians and Colombians send gifts to their crushes as secret admirers. Why not take this opportunity to declare your love for someone?

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6 Make It All About Your Friends and Family

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In Guatemala and Mexico, Feb. 14 is known as El Día del Cariño (the day of affection) and El Día del Amor y Amistad (the day of love and friendship) — the original galentine's day! Sentimental gifts are exchanged among friends, family members, and co-workers in addition to significant others.

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7 Throw a Big Party

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Product Credit: Alice and Olivia Dress, M2Malettier Bag, Noir Jewelry Ring, Eddie Borgo Earrings, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Giamba Dress, Stella McCartney Bag, Eddi Borgo Earrings, Nicholas Kirkwood Heels

While Puerto Ricans do traditionally mark El Día de San Valentin (Saint Valentine’s Day) by giving chocolate and flowers to that special someone, it’s also quite common to hold public parties and large family gatherings on this day. Hold a big get-together instead of going on an intimate date.

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8 Perform a Little Magic — Just For Fun

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In Brazil, locals celebrate El Día Dos Namorados on June 12, on the eve of St. Anthony’s Day, named for the saint of marriage. Single women often perform superstitious rituals known as simpatias, with the intention of finding a good boyfriend or husband for themselves. This tradition offers a few spell options, including tying a blue ribbon to an image of the saint and leaving it there until you find your soulmate.

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