Girlfriend Day: flowers for August 1

Where Girlfriend Day comes from

Día de la Novia comes from the American National Girlfriend Day, celebrated every August 1. Like other dates born on social media, it jumped to Latin America through Instagram and TikTok, and in countries such as Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica it has become a kind of second Valentine’s Day in the middle of the year. In some places another date circulates, the first Sunday of April, but the August one is the most shared.

It isn’t official in any country and there’s no old tradition behind it, but that doesn’t make it any less worthwhile: it is the perfect excuse for a gesture towards your partner far from February 14, when everything is pricier and busier. Its counterpart is Boyfriend Day, on October 3.

Which flowers to give on Girlfriend Day

The rose is the queen of the day. The color lets you match the message to the stage of the relationship:

• If you’ve just started dating: pink roses, tulips or a mixed bouquet. Affection, no rush.
• If it’s already serious: red roses, the universal code for love.
• If you know her well: her favorite flower, even if it isn’t “romantic”. Nothing says “I pay attention to you” more.
• If she likes things that are different: sunflowers, summer dahlias or a wildflower bouquet.
• If you live far apart: a home delivery with a note written by you (ask the florist to copy it word for word).

In August, in the northern hemisphere, sunflowers, dahlias and zinnias are in season and make very striking bouquets at a good price. Peonies, on the other hand, are out of season and will be expensive.

Ideas to go with the flowers

• A handwritten letter. It’s what people keep the longest.
• A plan: a picnic, dinner at home or recreating your first date.
• A printed photo of the two of you tucked among the flowers.
• A plant to look after together, if you like gifts that last.

How to make the bouquet last in the middle of summer

On August 1 it is hot in Mexico and the rest of the northern hemisphere, and roses suffer. Trim 2 or 3 cm off the stems at an angle when you get home, remove any leaves that would sit below the water, change the water every day and keep the vase away from the sun and from ripe fruit. That way the bouquet lasts a week.

If you like celebrating everything, also note down Valentine’s Day (February 14), Boyfriend Day (October 3) and your anniversary. With the “Remind me” button we’ll alert you three days before.

Remind me 3 days before

Download the reminder and open it with your phone’s calendar: it repeats every year and alerts you three days before, so you have time to order the bouquet.

Add to my calendar (.ics)Google Calendar ↗

Frequently asked questions

When is Girlfriend Day?

August 1 is the date most celebrated on social media and in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica. In some countries it is celebrated on the first Sunday of April.

Where does Girlfriend Day come from?

From the American National Girlfriend Day, on August 1. Social media brought it to Latin America, where it works as a second Valentine’s Day.

Which flowers are given on Girlfriend Day?

Roses, especially pink or red ones. Also tulips, sunflowers, peonies or her favorite flower, which is always the safest bet.

Is Girlfriend Day official?

No. It isn’t a public holiday or official in any country, but florists and brands increasingly have it marked on their calendars.

When is Boyfriend Day?

On October 3. People give blue flowers or Hot Wheels bouquets.