August 20th is the flower festival!

Everyone knows about the famous carnivals around the world but have you ever been to a flower festival?

I was fortunate enough to grow up in Debrecen, Hungary, a town that organizes a flower festival “Virágkarnevál” every year on August 20th, to celebrate the new bread and the foundation of the state in 1001. It is lively parade with many international dance and music performances and an array of themed flower carts. Crowds from around the world gather here for a week of celebration, cultural events and performances around town.  

But if you prefer to escape from the winter instead, you can join the Festival of Fruits and Flowers in Ambato, Ecuador, a popular celebration, which takes place in February each year. Unlike most carnivals though, the origin of this event is bittersweet as it was started as a commemoration of the loss suffered by the city after the earthquake of August 5, 1949. Its purpose was to lift the spirits of the inhabitants and help them accept nature’s forces and appreciate its beauty and abundance throughout the year.

These are just two great examples of these beautiful carnivals but there are many other places around the world where you can enjoy the festivities, and celebrate with the locals. Visit this site. 

- Kornelia Lasluisa