The carnation: a national flower
In Russia people are wary of carnations; in Spain it's the flower of flamenco, the feria and Hispanic Day. Red carnation: passion. White: purity. Pink: a mother's love. In Alicante carnations are gifted for any romantic occasion — completely normal.
Las Hogueras de San Juan — June
Alicante's biggest festival, Saint John's bonfire night (23–24 June). The city fills with floral installations and the Bellea del Foc receives huge bouquets — traditionally white carnations, orange gerberas and azaleas. If you're in Alicante during those days, a bouquet for your host is the best possible gesture.
Sant Jordi — 23 April
A Catalan tradition that travelled south to Alicante: men give women a red rose, women give men a book. One day a year when literally everyone buys roses.
Mother's Day — first Sunday of May
The annual order peak: hydrangeas, potted orchids and pink-lilac bouquets. Order a week ahead — the Saturday before, every florist in Alicante runs at full capacity.
What NOT to gift
- **White and yellow chrysanthemums.** In Spain, as in France, these belong to All Saints' Day (1 November) and cemeteries. Not for a birthday. - **Even number of stems? Fine.** The Russian «even is only for funerals» rule does not apply here. People read the composition, not the count. - **Flowers to a hotel room without a card.** Spaniards love context — a short card is mandatory.
New traditions
Younger Spaniards increasingly choose dried flowers and pampas grass — they're now part of Costa Blanca culture, especially in Jávea and Moraira. And fortnightly fresh-bouquet subscriptions took off after the pandemic: flowers as a home ritual, not just a gift.
How we apply this
When you message Brisalta «a birthday bouquet for a Spanish friend», we know not to send calla lilies or white chrysanthemums and we propose something a local will read correctly. It isn't magic — it's ten years of work as a florist in Alicante.