The Most Breathtaking Flower Shows
March 29, 2023
Spring is finally here, which means the most lovely flowers are blooming in full. Thousands of flower shows occur in this season to present beautiful arrangements of flowers and other botanicals flowing with color. Flower shows can represent different cultures around the world and often feature native plants, as well as exotic plants that grow in different climates. From London to Hong Kong, flower shows bring communities together to enjoy the lively nature of the spring season!
Infiorata di Noto
Infiorata di Noto is an Italian flower festival located in Noto, Sicily. It has taken place every third weekend in May since 1980. Artists gather to “paint with flowers” according to the theme that changes every year. The themes are based on art, Italian culture, history, traditions, and folklore. The famous flower carpet has an estimated area of 700 meters down a long street. This is divided for each artist to create beautiful floral arrangements.
Hong Kong Flower Expo
One of the most beautiful flower expos in China is the Hong Kong Flower Expo, a 10-day event that is held every year in Victoria Park, Hong Kong. Each year, the expo has a new theme along with a featured flower of the year. Native flowers from China’s mainland as well as exotic plants are sold throughout the expo. There are various activities to participate in, such as photo and drawing contests.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Located in Chelsea, London, the Chelsea Flower Show (formally called The Great Spring Show) is a royal flower show with over 150,000 annual visitors each year. People flock to this show to appreciate the beautiful floral garden exhibits and artworks created by artists and designers from around the world. The Chelsea Flower Show remains the most prestigious flower show in Britain and is a must-see for both locals and tourists.
Feria de las Flores
Rich in culture and intriguing traditions, Feria de las Flores is a festival located in Medellín, Columbia. Since 1957, the colorful event has grown substantially in popularity as people come together from all over the world to celebrate rich culture in the form of floral designs. The main tradition within Feria de las Flores is the heavy, decorated wood structures people carry on their backs, called Silletas. The Silletas were once used by peasants to carry large amounts of their homegrown flowers to transport to local markets. As flowers are delicate, the importance of the Silletas is that the economic fate of the carrier rested on their shoulders, as this is the common metaphor to accompany this tradition.
EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival
If Disney World itself isn’t already magical enough, EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Show is truly a worthwhile visit. The first year of the festival was in 1994 with its main attractions being the Disney character topiaries. As the years went by, the festival became more and more diverse as it showcased more cultural floral exhibits. Each year, new exhibits and themes arrive depicting new characters and designs in the form of topiaries, gardens, and floral arrangements.
Flower shows and festivals celebrate the new coming spring season while incorporating old traditions all over the world. While every culture has its own unique differences, the idea of coming together as a community to see and celebrate creative floral works is something special that people all over the world look forward to. Floral arrangements, gardens, and exhibits will continue to be a meaningful form of expression in many cultures.
Sources
https://www.italyscapes.com/events/sicily/noto/annual-festivals/infiorata-di-noto-2023/
https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/hong-kong-flower-show-2023
https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/18219357-rhs-chelsea-flower-show
https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/about-the-rhs-chelsea-flower-show
https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/history/2018/show-highlights
https://www.medellinadvisors.com/la-feria-de-las-flores/