Yesterday was the first day of school in Ukraine and Russia, which is celebrated with lots of flowers. Traditionally, every child in Russia gives a flower or a bunch of flowers to their teacher on September 1, resulting in a peak in demand for flower growers and traders. John Elstgeest of Flower Circus was in Ukraine this week and shares how the celebration was even more exuberant than in past years. 
Bigger celebration than before
This week, Elstgeest was at the Ukrainian flower market and spent yesterday morning at the schoolyard, watching the celebrations happen. “It is an exciting celebration, as the children here have three months off for their summer holidays. And especially this year, everyone is excited to be able to go back to school. It was definitely noticeable that the celebrations were more exuberant than in years past. Everyone is excited to go to school and give flowers to their teachers as a thank you.”
More diversity in flowers
Elstgeest is also noticing a change in the flowers that are given. “Many people used to give loose flowers, oftentimes chrysanthemums or roses. This year, there were more, and bigger, bouquets. Because of that, there was more of a diversity in the flowers, and I noticed many lisianthus and lilies were given as well. Overall, it was an fun celebration for everyone, and it is exciting to see that flowers are becoming an even bigger part of it.”
For more information:
Flower Circus
John Elstgeest
[email protected]
www.flowercircus.nl