Trend · September 21 and March 21
Why yellow flowers are given on September 21
It started with a song from Floricienta in 2004 and TikTok turned it into a tradition in 2021. Where it comes from, what it means and which yellow flowers to give.
- When
- September 21and March 21 in Mexico and Central America
- What to give
- Sunflowers, tulips or yellow roses
- Where
- All of Latin Americait started in Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay
- Song
- “Flores amarillas”Floricienta (Florencia Bertotti), 2004
The origin: Floricienta and a song from 2004
In Floricienta, the 2004 Argentine teen series, the heroine dreams of someone giving her yellow flowers. The show’s song, “Flores amarillas” (Yellow flowers), became famous throughout Latin America among those who grew up watching it.
In September 2021, TikTok revived the song to welcome spring in the southern hemisphere. Thousands of videos of people giving (or asking for) a yellow bouquet on September 21 turned the idea into a fixed date, and the trend hasn’t stopped since.
Why September 21?
In Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and the rest of the southern hemisphere, September 21 is associated with the arrival of spring. Flowers, color and a fresh start: the date fit the song perfectly.
It isn’t an official holiday in any country, but florists across Latin America already have it marked as one of the busiest weeks of the year.
What about March 21? Yellow flowers in Mexico
In the northern hemisphere spring arrives in March, so Mexico (and increasingly Central America and Peru) adopted a second yellow flowers day: March 21. Same song, same idea, different season.
If you live in Mexico you can celebrate both. You’ll find everything about the March date in the guide to yellow flowers on March 21, and both appear in the flower calendar.
The September 22, 23 and 24 chain
Every year a variant that extends the trend circulates on social media:
- September 22: flowers for cousins or aunts.
- September 23: for mom or grandma.
- September 24: for your best friend.
It isn’t as established as the 21st, but it is the version most shared on TikTok.
What yellow flowers mean
Yellow is associated with joy, friendship, hope and new beginnings. That’s why the gift works just as well with a partner as with a friend: it isn’t an obligatory declaration of love, it’s an “I thought of you”.
If you want to know what each color conveys, see the guide to the meaning of flower colors.
Which yellow flowers to give
- Sunflowers: the stars of the trend. They last well and a single sunflower already looks like a bouquet.
- Yellow tulips: more delicate, perfect for a small bouquet.
- Yellow roses: the classic option if you want something more formal.
- A mixed bouquet: any yellow flower in season works; what matters is the color.
Tip: on September 21 sunflowers sell out fast. Order your bouquet a few days ahead.
Frequently asked questions
When are yellow flowers given?
On September 21 in almost all of Latin America and on March 21 in Mexico and Central America. Both dates coincide with the arrival of spring in each hemisphere.
Why are yellow flowers given on September 21?
Because of the song “Flores amarillas” from Floricienta (2004), in which the heroine dreams of receiving yellow flowers. In September 2021 TikTok made it go viral to celebrate spring in the southern hemisphere and it became a tradition.
Who do you give yellow flowers to?
Anyone you like: your partner, friends or family. The trend doesn’t require it to be romantic. Social media also shares the chain of the 22nd (cousins or aunts), 23rd (mom or grandma) and 24th of September (best friend).
What do yellow flowers mean?
Joy, friendship, hope and new beginnings. It is the easiest color to give because it carries no obligatory romantic meaning.
Are yellow flowers given in Spain?
The trend was born in Latin America, but in Spain it is known through TikTok and more and more flower shops advertise it. It isn’t an established tradition there.
