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With spring come sunny days, warmth and an explosion of vitality and color thanks to the flowering of thousands of plants, trees and flowers. Spring begins tomorrow and this season makes us feel more eager to enjoy nature and do outdoor activities.
Some of the most popular events that spring brings are the flower festivals that are organized in Spain during these dates. Destinations that use flowers and plants to create a very original version of themselves and transform themselves into authentic living gardens for a few days.
If you are thinking of taking a getaway this spring to enjoy nature, here are several places that host flower festivals that will excite you.
Jerte Valley in Cáceres
Watching the cherry blossoms in spring is something spectacular and in Spain the one that takes place every year in the Valle del Jerte in the north of Extremadura is very popular. The flowering date varies depending on the winter weather so it is important to be vigilant so as not to miss the appointment. This usually lasts about fifteen days but as the cherry trees do not bloom at the same time, it is best to spend a few days in the region and thus attend the entire process.
The Cherry Blossom Festival (from March 20 to April 10 approximately) is a popular celebration that tries to reflect the life of an entire region taking advantage of this very special event. For this, all kinds of activities are organized that serve as a showcase for Extremadura's culture, gastronomy, traditions and way of life.
Once the burst of white petals has occurred, the appearance of the cherries takes place. This usually happens around June and July. The snowy landscape is transformed into an intense red blanket thanks to the fruit of the cherry trees. A natural spectacle that becomes a real delight for the eyes, the smell and the palate. After all, the Picotas del Jerte, which have a Protected Designation of Origin, are considered one of the best in the world.
Feast of the Patios in Córdoba
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Listed as a Festival of National Tourist Interest and as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba is one of the most beautiful celebrations in this Andalusian city. Traditionally the courtyards of the houses have always been adorned with flowers at the arrival of spring, but since 1921 it has been done in a very special way on the occasion of the courtyards competition that takes place the first fortnight of May.
The Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba is organized in the different neighborhoods of the city, although perhaps the most characteristic is the Alcázar Viejo. However, the Jewish quarter, the San Basilio neighborhood or the Santa Marina neighborhood are places with a lot of history. In 2017 this flower festival will take place between May 2 and 14.
The residents of Córdoba are those who take care of decorating the patios to win the award given by the City Council. There are two categories in which people compete in the Cordoba Courtyards Festival: the "traditional patio" and the "modern construction patio". In addition, patios are allowed out of competition.
During the festival, the public can visit them for free although it is necessary to collect passes in advance. On the other hand, parallel activities such as musical performances and traditional tapas routes are organized.
Temps de Flors in Gerona
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Have you ever contemplated a city dressed in flowers? As has been customary for more than half a century, during the month of May Gerona holds a beautiful exhibition called Temps de Flores, which floods the main streets and squares of the city with colors and floral scents.
It is a very special flower festival since the residents and merchants of the city participate in the celebration by decorating their houses, monuments and streets with thousands of flowers and plants, giving it a very creative and colorful appearance.
The itinerary is an exciting show and a feast for the senses. Apart from the artistic proposals, the Temps de Flors exhibition is accompanied by other activities for all audiences such as a flower and photography and film competitions, the A Cappella music festival and various gastronomic proposals with flowers in the city's restaurants.
In 2017, the Temps de Flors festival will be held from May 13 to 21 in Gerona.
Battle of Flores in Laredo
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This flower festival takes place at the end of August in the Cantabrian town of Laredo. It is not strictly produced during spring but it has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest and is well worth visiting. It is a unique festival full of joy, art and nature that culminates with an impressive fireworks display over the bay.
Its origin dates back to the early XNUMXth century, a time of cultural splendor and economic boom known as the Belle Epoque. The celebration of Floral Galas was widespread in the main European cities at the end of the XNUMXth century and they soon reached Spain and specifically Laredo.
At that time, this Cantabrian town was the summer destination for the Spanish bourgeoisie and the Battle of Flores was born as a celebration to say goodbye to the summer impregnated with sophistication and artistic refinement.
Starting in the 60s, the Battle of Flores underwent changes driven by the emergence of mass tourism, but it was at the beginning of the XNUMXst century that the most spectacular editions in the history of the Battle of Flores took place due to its size and quality. of the competing floats.
The parade of ornate floats is the great protagonist of the party and all compete for the first prize. On the eve of the big day, known as Night of the Flower, the participants work tirelessly to make their float the most beautiful.
As a curiosity, it should be noted that the Laredo City Council offers a free tourist train service that makes the route through the different locations of the floats during the Night of the Flower so that visitors can observe the process in detail.
On the day of the parade, the floats circle the Alameda Miramar circuit three times, accompanied by music and applause. When the contest ends and the winner is chosen, the floats are transported to a narrow street of the circuit to be exposed for a whole weekend.