Valentine's Day is around the corner and businesses around the world are taking advantage of the occasion. They are now busy with stuffing their stores with all sorts of gifts for the "day of hearts." In addition to the stores, restaurants and travel agencies are also coming up with their own promos exclusively for couples that want to spend an extra romantic day together.

Before Valentine's Day became this commercialized, it was something very meaningful in the ancient times. While there are people who believe that the first Valentine happened during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, others said that its roots could be traced in 498 A.D. when Pope Gelasius proclaimed Feb. 14 as St. Valentine's Day.

The pope was trying to turn a pagan ritual into Christian practice thus he made the declaration. The rite is called the Pagan Lupercalia festival and it was celebrated for encouraging fertility and purification.

In the present day, celebrating Valentine's Day differs from one culture to another. In Latin America alone, the countries here have their own ways of making Valentine's a special day. Find out how Latinos enjoy their version of the heart's day.

Mexico

In Mexico, people call the day as Día de San Valentin and like most cultures, it is celebrated on Feb. 14. But for the Mexicans, this is not just a day for lovers but for friends too, so the general term which they use for the occasion is El Día del Amor y la Amistad which means a day of love and friendship.

On this day, people give gifts to their partners, friends or simply to someone they care about. It is an appreciation day so everyone are extra caring for people they value in their lives.

Colombia

Colombians Valentine's Day is not held in February but on Sept. 20. People usually exchange gifts just like how it is done during Christmas' "Kris Kringle." Although the gifts are exchange between secret admirers, just like in Mexico, this is also generally a Love and Friendship Day.

It was said that this Valentine's Day was only created to help boost Colombia's economy. All throughout the year, the country celebrates many holidays but there was none in September so they placed Valentine's in this month. But regardless, Colombian's celebrate this day sincerely as they are loving and kind folks.

Bolivia

Bolivians call the day as Día del Amor and it is celebrated on Sept. 21, but as time passed, with many American families migrating to the country, celebrating Valentine's Day on Feb. 14 is becoming more common these days.

Similar to most countries, the color of the day is red and the way it is celebrated is typically based on romance which is full of affection. Gift giving is common as well. Lastly, Bolivian Valentine celebrations are done in many ways like special events, parties, romantic dinners, cruises and a lot more.

Guatemala

Guatemalans' Valentine's Day is called El Día del Cariño. Apart from couples, families, friends and colleagues celebrate this together. People give flowers, cards and chocolates as gifts. The day is observed every 14th of February.

Argentina

Argentinians' El Día de Los Enamorado is a week-long celebration that is held from July 13-20. They call this as "Sweetness Week" and "Friendship Day." During this week, people are being showered with kisses, gifts and chocolates.

As for Brazil, see the clip below to know how Brazilians celebrate Valentine's Day.