Sharon Reich-Garson

Valentine's Day is usually when Columbia's flower industry shines.

But this year, there's a shadow over all those red roses that made their way to the U.S.

for the holiday.

The 10 percent U.S.

tariff that's cutting into margins for farmers.

Colombia has shipped about 65,000 tons of fresh-cut flowers to the U.S.

for this Valentine's rush, a season that makes up 20% of annual sales.

And growers say 2026 may be one of their toughest years yet.

At a farm outside Bogotá, José Antonio Restrepo, who manages Ayura SAS Eclipse Flowers, says the industry is being squeezed from every direction.

And with the Colombian peso strengthening and the minimum wage rising, he warns farms could begin closing as early as June or July.

Worker Susana Vega, who's wrapping a bundle of roses, says the holiday still brings meaning.

She calls it an immense joy to know that her work brings happiness to someone receiving flowers.

A bright moment in a year that the industry fears could turn dark fast.

The carnival is on in Rio de Janeiro and revelers are packing the streets.

In Santa Teresa, the Carmelita street party fills the narrow lanes with drums, costumes and crowds dancing shoulder to shoulder.

A giant marionette, a fixture of the celebration, can be seen moving through the crowd as people spray water to cool off in the heat.

Dancers say the festival gives them a sense of freedom, a chance to let go and a spirit they wish could last beyond the long weekend.

For more on any of the stories from today, check out Reuters.com or the Reuters app.

Don't forget to follow us on your favorite podcast player.

And if you're listening on a smart speaker, just ask for the latest news from Reuters seven days a week.