The Aibonito Flower Festival

There are few things in the world that will bring a smile to a woman’s face quite like the gift of flowers. All through the ages flowers have been a favorite gift and even when more expensive and longer-lasting gifts have been available it is always the delicate intricacy of the flower that has ultimately helped men to win the hearts of their beloveds.

Things have still not changed much and even today the sight of a bouquet of beautiful and well-presented flowers in the hands of a favorable suitor will usually help to melt even the hardest of hearts. However if you are on holiday in Puerto Rico, buying flowers for the love of your life will likely be the furthest thing from your mind. However, there is no need to give up on the concept all together. All you need do is head to Aibonito during the months of June/July to experience a bright and blooming annual phenomenon known as the Aibonito Flower Festival.

Every year during the last week of June and the first week of July, Aibonito suddenly takes on a whole new look as all the most popular and newest varieties of local flowers and plants are proudly exhibited as part of the Aibonito Flower Festival. Known locally as the Festival de las Flores, the festival is a tribute to the beauty of the flower. Flowers such as lilies, carnations, gardenias, roses, begonias and anthuriums are brought out by the hundreds to decorate flower stands. They are also prepared for sale along with a variety of locally hand-crafted items and a scrumptious feast of food and music. The atmosphere is incredibly light-hearted and indulging in good-natured recreational activities is the order of the day. The Aibonito Flower Festival takes place on some 25 acres of land where approximately 54 booths are erected each year for the sale of plants. An additional ten booths are set up for the sale of arts and crafts. Parking is free but a small entrance fee is payable for adults and children.

The festival was first held in June 1969 and has been a massive annual event every year since. It is a well-supported festival which sees hundreds of flower growers and craftsmen make an annual pilgrimage to the show grounds where thousands of delighted festival goers are more than happy to admire their products and purchase the various goods that are on sale. So even if you don’t plan to buy your loved one a bouquet of flowers, take her down to the fair and make the most of a romantic and fun-filled festival.