A Guide to Global Flower Festivals

There are few better ways to experience Mother Nature in all her splendid glory than a flower festival. They provide visitors all over the world with unparalleled joy, and the magnificent displays are enough to stop people in their tracks. They brim with color, extravagance, and creativity, and they often showcase some of the most unique and unexpected blooms in existence.

It’s no wonder that these events draw millions of people annually. While they’re naturally appealing to those with an affinity for botanical beauty, they’re equally interesting to those who may not naturally have a green thumb. In this kind of environment, the playing field is even — everyone has a chance to admire the blossoms on parade.

And they truly do put on quite a show! Some are literally paraded down streets on enormous floats, while others are fashioned into exquisite designs that would make even the world’s most famed artists envious. What flower festivals showcase so wonderfully is the versatility of the humble flower. So much more than a garden variety accent, flowers are nature’s gift to the world. These festivals offer a peek at what makes them so incredibly special.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show

There’s nothing quite like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Set on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, the event often referred to as the “world’s most famous flower show” showcases an extensive and exciting range of floral exhibits and displays. This is the place to witness old and new collide. You’ll be amid the latest flower trends as they mingle alongside the classics.

It’s a draw not just for flower enthusiasts, but also for nurseries as they share their newest plants and discoveries with the world. Designers travel from all over the globe to reveal their showstopping creations. Even luminaries from the worlds of fashion and beyond gather here to share their newest ventures.

There’s more to the show than flowers, though — it’s also an opportunity to mix and mingle with others, dine on upscale fare, and be a part of history. After all, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has run almost every year without fail since 1913. Three of the exhibitors that made their debut that year continue to present at the show in the 21stcentury. If you’re in attendance, be on the lookout for them: Blackmore & Langdon, Kelways Plants, and McBean’s Orchids.

Genzano Infiorata Flower Festival

Could there be any spot more beautiful to witness flowers in all their glory? The Genzano Infiorata Flower Festival is held each June in Genzano di Roma. Situated just outside of Rome, the town is known for the marvelous and wonderfully unique floral displays that carpet the street of Belardo.

Designed by local artisans, these vibrant exhibits are inspired by different types of art. You may recognize hints of those inspirations, from religious works of art to renowned paintings by famed artisans. The floral “carpet” follows a theme selected by the artists each year. It’s a two-day affair, which allows just enough time to observe the floral artwork in its incredible glory.

If you can find a position to watch the events from a balcony above, that’s best — you’ll glean a far clearer view of each masterpiece and can take better pictures of the artwork in its entirety. But do so within the two-day window! The third day is dedicated to area schoolchildren, who are permitted to run all over the flowers as the event comes to a lively close.

The Flower Carpet

Since 1971, the Flower Carpet has stolen hearts throughout Belgium. Set in Brussels in the historic city center at the Grand Place, the event features a dramatic medley of begonias woven into an elegant floral carpet. Held biennially in August, the event requires some 1,000,000 flowers to create the display that measures almost 19,000 square feet.

Why begonias? The flower holds special meaning in Belgium and not just because it’s part of one of the world’s most impressive tapestries. These rich, colorful blooms honor its special relationship with the country. While a West Indies native, the begonia has been a Belgian favorite since 1860. Some 60 million begonias are grown annually in the nation, with nearly 80% of those exported.

That the Flower Carpet highlights this bond should be no surprise — but what’s truly special is the impact of the carpet itself, which is artfully rendered into some type of bold, artistic display thanks to approximately 120 enthusiastic volunteers, who spend hours putting the live flowers into place. Set alongside is a sketch that inspired the final design, allowing viewers to glean greater appreciation for the hard work put into the job. This event runs for four days.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

It’s virtually impossible to visit Thailand in February without hearing about the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. Starting early in the month, this lively festival introduces some of the world’s most beautiful blooms to the area. Among them are Damask roses, which are native to Chiang Mai, along with yellow and white chrysanthemums, yellow Daoruangs, and dendrobium orchids — to name just a few. Throughout the festival, you’ll witness countless fun floats decorated with lavish floral displays. Performers in traditional costumes add cultural beauty and flair to the festivities. Admirers are given roses simply for being there.

One of the highlights is the transformation of Suan Buak Haad, a vibrant space where people typically gather to relax and enjoy the scenery. But during the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, the place becomes a floral wonderland. There are flower displays, beautiful orchids, and lavish trees. Among the greenery are decorative landscapes, waterfalls, and accents that lend the space a fairytale-like quality. Marching bands and dancers join in the festivities, giving the event an even more joyous and celebratory air. It’s easily one of the most popular events of the season, largely because it marks the end of the cooler period and signifies the beginning of the emergence of fresh blooms. Walk the streets, and you’ll notice that many storefronts, too, have decorated their windows with flowers.

Tulip Festival

Every year, the Tulip Festival transforms the Indian city of Srinagar into a floral wonderland. The largest city in Kashmir is known for its humble location in the Kashmir Valley. Set along the Jhelum River banks, it provides stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas and offers easy access to many examples of natural beauty, including plenty of waterfronts and lush gardens. The Tulip Festival brings the arrival of millions of colorful bulbs in countless varieties.

Set over more than 30 hectares of land, the festival is a must for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the meaningful tulip. Often associated with love and affection, the flower is put on display in its many forms. Standard tulips abound, but there are also multi-bloom stems, parrot tulips that resemble the tropical bird, and fringed tulips with fringed petals. That’s just a taste of the many varieties you’ll find as you wander the grounds.

While you’re there, take the time to experience a taste of Kashmiri life. Delve into some of the region’s signature delicacies, enjoy the scenery at the nearby Chashme Shahi Garden, and walk near Dal Lake. Each spot brings about a sense of serenity, serving as a continuation of the experience that begins at the wondrous Tulip Garden. Best of all, they’re all within proximity of the garden, so you can easily spend the day wandering through Mother Nature’s finest treasures.

Philadelphia International Flower Show

The longest-running horticultural experience in the United States, the Philadelphia International Flower Show is a true feast for the senses. Since the first show took place in 1829, it’s drawn millions of visitors from all over the world whose passions for flowers and plants have compelled them to travel for a closer look. Here, you’ll discover acre upon acre of gorgeous greenery and vibrant stems, each in competition for a blue ribbon or a Best in Show prize.

People of any gardening level — yes, even those without green thumbs whatsoever — can participate in a variety of activities and enjoy an array of themed events. Each year, the show’s theme dictates the design of the gardens, which range from stylish to ornate. Whether designed by a single person or a group, the displays each vie for one of the prized awards. But there’s a lot more here than the competition. If you’re one of the thousands visiting for the fun of it, stop by the marketplace and pick up some seeds, flowers, plants, or other landscaping-oriented products to give your world a green upgrade. Along with the displays up for prizes, there are also classes, cooking events, workshops, informative lectures, and live entertainment.

No matter which event you choose to attend, you’ll be wowed by what you see — a true visionary delight brought to life with style, creativity, and impressive attention to detail. The best part? You don’t necessarily have to be a flower lover or a gardener to appreciate this level of beauty.