Valentine’s Day is all about exchanging love, whether it's with a partner, a friend, or just showing a little extra appreciation.

But it didn't start as a strictly romantic holiday. The Roman Catholic Church links the day back to St. Valentine, the patron saint of love.

Valentine was a Roman priest and doctor who was martyred on February 14, 269 AD during Emperor Claudius II’s Christian purge. Legend has it that Valentine signed letters "from your Valentine" to his jailer’s daughter, who he healed from blindness. Plus, he secretly married couples to keep the guys from getting drafted into the army.

Now, Valentine’s Day is all about love mostly romantic. Couples are planning their dates and singles are looking for someone special.

Whatever side of the day you’re on, A.M. Costa Rica’s rounded up the best places to make the most of the most romantic weekend of the year.

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On Friday

Cartago Township Orchestra’s serenade hits the Cartago Municipality Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. Free entry.

The Guanacaste Township Orchestra serenades at Mario Cañas Park in Liberia Canton, starting at 7 p.m. Free entry, pets welcome.

Gaviota Band’s serenade hits Melico Salazar Theater in San José at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $60. Grab them at the theater or the Special Ticket website.

Head to Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Puntarenas for Cupid’s Coast - Valentine’s Dinner. It's a full-on feast with a main course, dessert, and a cocktail for $100. Book your spot at 2630-9000.

For a twist, catch a rockin’ Valentine’s with the Glorious B*stards Rock Band at La Pista Classics Center in San José. They’ll play romantic rock covers from bands like Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses, and Air Supply. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $6 at the venue's box office.

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On Saturday

The Picnic Festival at Pedregal Events Center in Heredia is packed with over 25 pop artists for 12 hours of nonstop jams. And don’t worry, there’ll be food trucks and souvenir shops to keep you fueled and stocked up. The Festival kicks off at noon.  Tickets: $160 on the Eticket website.

On Sunday

The Puntarenas Township Orchestra is coming in hot with a romantic serenade at Esparza Canton Central Park. Showtime is at 10 a.m. Free entry and it's pet-friendly.

The Cartago Township Orchestra is at it again with a romantic concert at Terra Mall in Cartago at 6:30 p.m. Free entry and pets are welcome.

The Limón Township Orchestra brings the romance to Limón City Church at 7 p.m. Free entry, and yeah, pets are invited.

The Guanacaste Township Orchestra wraps things up with a romantic concert at Matapalo Beach in Carrillo Canton. Showtime: 10:30 a.m. Free entry, pets welcome.

The Smokefree Family Fest on  Paseo Colón, San José. Looking for a fun, family-friendly Sunday plan? The Municipality of San José is hosting the event packed with activities for all ages, including DJ music, skate games, inflatable bouncy games, dances & aerobics, food trucks, kids’ playground and more! The f pet-friendly & free admission fest starts at 9 a.m. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled day in the city!

This weekend

Barcelo Resort at Tambor Beach in Puntarenas is offering an all-inclusive romance package with a 10% discount this month. Call 4600 9297 to book.

The Country Inn Hotel in Cariari Canton, San José, is hosting a Love Weekend Special. Enjoy live music and a romantic dinner for $75 per couple (tax included). Reserve at 2239-2272.

Riu Hotel at Matapalo Beach in Guanacaste is offering Love Weekend Getaways with discounts—50% off for kids, 20% off for adults, plus packages starting at $115 per person per night. Valid until February 16. Book at 2681-2300.

Radisson Hotel in San José is serving up a Romantic Dinner Special that includes dinner and a night’s stay for two for $215 (tax included). Offer valid through February. Call 2010-6000 to reserve.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater in San José is putting on the romantic play "The Last Five Years." It’s all about Jamie and Cathy and the ups and downs of trying to make their relationship work. Catch it on Friday or Saturday at 7:30 p.m., or Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $28, and you can grab them at the box office or online.

Catch the romantic comedy "Just Like That" at the Expressivo Theater in Curridabat, San José. It’s all about the challenges couples face when love alone isn’t enough. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a Sunday performance at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at the theater box office.

Step into a world of cabaret, adventure, and unexpected twists with "Tagada", performed by the National Theater Company at the 1887 Theater, located at the Ministry of Culture in San José. This unique play follows four players and a group of cabaret artists as they hop on the wild Tagada ride, spinning at different speeds while an unseen voice dictates the rules of their surreal journey. Showtimes on Fridays & Saturdays at 7 p.m. On Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the theater box office.

Get ready for a night of laughs and surprises with "Trapped in an Elevator" at La Máscara Theater in San José. This comedy follows a group of strangers stuck in a tiny elevator during a power outage. As time ticks by, tensions rise, personalities clash, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a twist shakes up everything.  Showtimes on Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. On Sunday at 5 p.m.  Tickets are $20 at the theater box office.

The Torres Theater in San José is featuring the comedy play "Orgasms." The show takes a funny and honest look at the complexities of modern relationships. Showtimes: on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at the theater box office. Please note, the show is for audiences 15 years old and older.

The Moliere Theater in San José shows the comedy play "Papichulo" (Handsome Daddy). The story follows a thief who ends up in all kinds of crazy trouble while trying to rob a house full of women. Showtimes:  Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the theater box office.

Head to The Lucho Barahona Theater in San José for a hilarious comedy, "The Mummy," starring comedian characters Juan Vainas and Chibolo. Inspired by a spooky Halloween tale, the play dives into the fun question: What would you do if you found a sarcophagus buried right in your backyard? Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are just $15 and available at the theater box office. Get ready for laughs and a memorable night out!

Get ready for laughs at the Triciclo Theater in San José with "Crazy Mothers-in-Law." This hilarious comedy follows a couple on vacation who, thanks to an unexpected twist, find themselves having to bring their mother-in-law along for the ride. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20 and available at the theater box office. Don’t miss this uproarious play, it's sure to be a comedy experience you won’t forget!