If February is for love, March is for women. At least that’s true for the more than 80 countries that celebrate International Women’s Day. Italy commemorates the day with a symbol all its own: the mimosa. No, not the all-star drink of American brunchtime, but the powdery, pom-shaped flower of the namesake tree from which it stems.
Each spring, Italy is bathed in a golden glow as mimosa blooms flood florist shops and invade supermarkets. Bright yellow sprigs even make their way into handmade crafts brought home by schoolchildren. This cheerful sea of yellow signals La Festa della Donna’s arrival—Women’s Day in Italian, marked with gifts of mimosa for women of all ages.
