Flower festivals are among the most magnificent and dazzling special events every place holds. Not only do they pay tribute to the eye-catching beauty of flowers and the grandeurs of nature, they also realize the vitality of the human spirit.
All our different backgrounds, customs, and experiences are united by our admiration for the joy and wonder that flowers offer us!
In the previous installment of this two-part write-up, we took you through five of the world's most amazing flower festivals. Today, we'll continue to explore more of these huge celebrations that highlight exceptional cultures and incredible artistry through the pleasing sights of blooming flowers.
Bloemencorso Zundert (" Zundert Flower Parade").
Zundert, Netherlands.
With floats of massive proportions shaped into animals, people in pop culture, Bloemencorso Zundert brings the fun and zing of flowers to life annually! Each float features astonishing, almost cartoonish works of art all the way up to nine meters, developed with such incredibly ornate details that it's hard to believe that they're made almost entirely of Zundert's beautiful dahlias. Volunteers ensure this level of excellence by committing year-long preparations to produce the most stunning floats, hoping to win the title of best float in the yearly competition.
The program is offset by music theater acts on the street for everybody's entertainment, after which the much-awaited floats parade down the roads. Boats and cars participate in the parade as well, covered completely in loud, vivid blooms. After the parade and announcement of winners, the celebrated floats are showcased in an open exhibit for all to admire and see in full detail.
National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Washington DC, USA.
This three-week festivity marks the beginning of spring in Washington, where more than three thousand cherry blossom trees unfold into full bloom. The landscapes of stark whites and soft pinks is sufficient to captivate anyone's eyes and fill them with a renewed sense of ardor for nature.
Along with the stunning scenery of pink blossoms, the festival also holds several cultural programs that pay tribute to the festival's beginnings signifying the friendly relationship between Japan and the United States. The opening ceremony, especially, features both traditional and modern performances from Japanese and American artists. Throughout the three-week duration, there are also events with great food and drinks, art exhibits, kite festivals, and other thrilling events.
Genzano Infiorata (" Genzano Flower Festival").
Genzano di Roma, Rome.
Beyond a flower festival, the Genzano Inforiata is a time-honored custom that has lasted for more than two centuries! Travelers from everywhere in the world gather every year to see the almost magical elegance of the festival's floral carpets, crafted to excellence by world-renowned artists. Themes of the artworks differ yearly, but they typically take ideas from famous paintings, particularly religious art since the festival is followed by a religious procession.
Designing the floral carpets is a challenging process: volunteers pick over 300,000 flowers, organise and store them by color. When the festival date approaches, artists start to draft their themed designs on the pavement, and the flowers are laid out accordingly prior to the festival. This meticulous task takes about 2-3 days. The results, needless to say, are beyond astounding; the completed flower carpets are deemed by many visitors as an once-in-a-lifetime experience.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Chelsea, England.
Held by the Royal Horticultural Society since 1912, this stunning garden show stays one of the most popular flower shows and horticultural events worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and high-profile celebrities and elites, most notably the Royal Family, visit Chelsea yearly to see the artistic landscapes and show gardens. Filled with perfumed and vibrant florals, lush green plants and trees, in addition to imaginative garden designs, this show is a wonderland for horticultural aficionados.
Awards for the best flower, garden, vegetable, educational, and photography displays are awarded to celebrate the most outstanding works of the year. Even the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has participated in the distinguished competition. Along with garden exhibits, new breeds of plants are also launched by dedicated growers, motivating beginner and veteran gardeners alike to discover and grow unique plants.
Festa de Flor (" Flower Festival").
Madeira, Portugal.
Home to various flower species that bloom nicely in their climate, Madeira showcases its fragrant bountiful masses of florals growing in springtime with its yearly festival. They celebrate the growth and renewal symbolized by colorful blossoms, as well as their exceptional cultural traditions.
The festival continue for almost a month with so many sights to see and activities to delight in, like floral carpet displays, float parades, cultural performances, farmer's markets, and concerts. One of the most heartwarming and popular feature of the festival is the 30-year-old 'Wall of Hope' ceremony. Lots of children gather to create a large mural filled with flowers, representing their wish for peace in our troubled world. At the end of the program, doves are released into the open skies, wrapping up the wonderful, moving experience.