On Sunday, International Women’s Day was celebrated globally, marking a significant occasion for flower sales, second only to Mother’s Day. 'AK. Nädal' investigated the origins of the floral beauty that graces Estonian shelves on this special day. Flower wholesalers experienced one of their busiest weeks of the year, exemplified by Nurmiko Wholesalers, which processed over a million stems in just a week, with a major shipment arriving in Tallinn early Saturday morning.

According to Marika Mägi, CEO of Nurmiko, flowers are sourced from diverse locations across the globe, with some arriving from as far as Ecuador and Colombia, and additional shipments from Europe and a bit from Africa. She explained that these flowers are transported while ‘dormant’ and require a rehydration process upon arrival to bloom fully. In contrast, domestically grown flowers are less prevalent on the shelves in early spring due to climatic factors, including limited sunlight and extended periods of darkness in Estonia during winter.

The significance of the occasion extends beyond floral trade; it highlights the global interconnectedness of the flower industry and its reliance on imports to satisfy local festivities. As Estonians embrace the aesthetics of flowers during Women’s Day, the influx of blooms from various continents serves as a reminder of the cultural and economic exchanges that underpin seasonal celebrations, reflecting both tradition and modern commerce.