Maybe 25 years ago, Valentine's Day wasn't such a big deal in Belize but with the invasion of American cable television it's now more than just another day it's a full-blown industry.
This year more floral bouquets and gifts than ever before will be exchanged between lovers. But with so many choices, just what is the right way to do it? Keith Swift went looking for answers.
Keith SwiftReporting,
Valentine's Day is Saturday so chances are by now you have already chose your Valentine. So the question now is what to get them? Will it roses, carnations, or a rose? Florist Albert Mendez says there is an art to choosing the perfect floral arrangement for your valentine.
Albert Mendez, ASTAR Ltd
"It just depends on the person's taste because it is in the eye of the beholder. We have different kinds of things so it all depends on what the person wants to spend."
And chances are that her taste will be for a rose. That is probably because the look and smell of a rose have come to be synonymous with Valentine's Day.
Albert Mendez,
"Roses have always been, from way back in history, an expression of love. Maybe because they are little more expensive and more beautiful so most people believe that the roses represent love."
But the tradition may be wearing a little thin and one florist has been working overtime to come up with some new twists on this age old valentine thing.
Albert Mendez,
"We decided to do a lot of baskets, gift baskets, with wine, foodstuffs like chocolate and biscuit. The reason is that Valentine's Day is not only for lovers, it can also be a time to tell a friend you appreciate them."
And there might be that sweet person in your life, with a sweet tooth. For them there is chocolate. Chocolate made on demand at Lorraine L's Chocolates.
Lorraine Woods, Lorraine L's Chocolate
"Most people come for our panty ripper and pina colada chocolates. They are made with the local rums and a special mixture in the center of the white chocolate, it is very delicious.
Keith Swift,
"I understand you make the chocolate here?"
Lorraine Woods,
"Yes I do it right here. Everything is done right here fresh everyday."
And since Valentine's Day is the only holiday where you are allowed to be both naughty and nice - this chocolate factory's got you covered on that end.
Leroy Woods, Lorraine L's Woods
"The adult chocolates are something special for the lovers. And what we try to do is make it out of the best chocolates. We have customers that come only for the adult chocolates."
So you can give it all - the sweet taste of chocolate or the sweet smell of a fresh floral arrangement or maybe both. You decide but hurry - you've got only 2 more days to make up your mind.
Depending on your tastes and how much you're willing to spend, floral bouquets can be bought for anywhere from 15 to 150 dollars.
Belize's supply of roses comes almost exclusively from Mexico.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited for the Internet by Keith Swift