In ancient times much of the world paused in their work to celebrate flowers. Weary of winter and with food supplies running low the Roman Goddess Flora was celebrated. In the spring a Maypole was erected, ribbons streamed down and the dancing began. Young women wore crowns of flowers in their hair. The beauty of life, flowers and fertility was thoroughly celebrated with the hope of a great harvest in the Fall. The celebration lasted several days with games, performances, feasting and drinking. Australia’s Floriade does just that! By day the festivities are lit by the sun and by night lights multiply the magic of the celebration.
Floriade’s Nightfest is a party among the flowers with waves of lights falling on the beds of tulips & pansies. Changing colors flood the multi-colored beds emphasizing the shapes of the flowers. Here there were performance venues surrounded by lit colored balls illuminating street performers. There is a light show of two illuminated women twirling LED lit wands which changed patterns of flowers, flags, words A couple played their violins with fire lit bows.
There were walking art floral masterpieces. Mimes walked about engaging the crowd, and a simply amazing one man band played his kazoo, symbol, whistles and more. People were happy and engaged, eating ice creams, and queuing up for a ride on the lighted ferris wheel.
For me the best part was a forest walk of inflated flowers in all shapes of blooms. The flowers changed colors in time with music being pumped out through the speakers.
People were photographing every scene, taking videos, posing with each other with happy smiles and wide eyes. The mood was festive and the night was perfect for a true celebration of spring.
Flowers represent the promise of food, the symbol of life. What began as a celebration of a Roman Goddess has spread across continents inviting all to revel in the joy of spring and flowers.