Colombia sent flowers to 535 offices of the United States Congress in Washington, D.C., for Valentine’s Day, as a symbolic gesture of bilateral friendship. The initiative of sending Colombian flowers to the Congress in Washington was organized by the Embassy of Colombia, led by Ambassador Daniel Garcia-Peña, in partnership with Asocolflores.
The goal was to underscore the importance of Colombian floriculture in the U.S. market and strengthen the country’s image as a strategic supplier of fresh flowers, especially during peak-demand dates such as Valentine’s Day.
However, the diplomatic gesture took an unexpected turn. The flowers were returned by the United States Capitol because internal rules prohibit members of Congress from accepting gifts. The removal of the arrangements reflected strict compliance with the protocols governing the U.S. legislative branch.
In response, Ambassador Garcia-Peña chose to turn the setback into a public gesture: The bouquets were handed out to people passing by outside the Capitol, transforming the episode into a spontaneous celebration for visitors and pedestrians in the political heart of the U.S. capital.
@elheraldohonduras Colombia regala flores por San Valentín en Washington como símbolo de alianza entre países
♬ sonido original – elheraldohonduras
Colombia, the leading supplier of fresh flowers to the United States
Beyond the protocol-related episode, the initiative once again underscored Colombia’s leadership in the U.S. floral market. The country is the main supplier of fresh flowers to the United States, particularly during peak seasons such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Nearly 60% of the flowers sold in the United States during Valentine’s Day come from Colombian farms. In 2025 alone, more than 65,000 tons of flowers were exported — about 900 million stems — representing a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
The supply is highly diverse: More than 60 species and around 1,600 varieties, including roses, carnations, lilies, alstroemerias, and chrysanthemums, dominate U.S. market demand.
Export success depends on specialized air logistics that ensure product freshness. In 2026, for example, Avianca Cargo transported nearly 19,000 tons of flowers to the United States on 320 cargo flights.
Floral diplomacy and bilateral relations
Floriculture is one of the most significant sectors of Colombia’s agroindustry, generating more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Beyond its economic impact, it has become a tool of cultural diplomacy that strengthens ties between Colombia and the United States.
The delivery of Colombian flowers to the Congress in Washington, despite their initial return, highlighted the symbolic value this product holds in bilateral relations. More than an institutional gift, the initiative sought to emphasize a commercial exchange built over decades and the role of flowers as a cultural emblem in key celebrations of the American calendar.