28 November – 1 December

OFM outside broadcast 30 November 2019

On 30 November, Saturday Express broadcasts live from a world-class flower extravaganza! The Free State Madeira Flower Festival – Africa’s biggest flower festival - is back!

Come experience the sights and sounds when Parys transform into a world of floral festivities culminating in the awe-inspiring Flower Parade with five-hundred dancers, Madeira performers and more!

Entry is free!

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The Parys Flower Festival 2019 also known as the Free State Madeira Flower Festival will be hosted in Parys on the 30th November.

Flower lovers, media, tourists and visitors are expected to flock to the picturesque town of Parys for the 4th annual Flower Festival. The streets will be bursting with colour as five brightly coloured flower floats and more than five-hundred dancers take to the town’s main road in this year’s festival.

The Parys Flower Festival labelled as ” a world-class floral extravaganza” is a weekend filled with fun and entertainment. The parade will consist of five large flower floats containing an estimated 200 000 flowers. Accompanied by 500 choreographed dancers in brightly coloured floral clothing and dresses. Also giant puppets, stilt-walkers, handicapped marchers from Epilepsy SA Free State, bikers, vintage cars and many other performers. The carnival takes the form of a kilometre-long floral procession. There will be many flowers, great music and an overwhelming festive atmosphere. The parade kicks off with an opening ceremony attended by local and international dignitaries like the Premier of the Free State, M.E.C.’s and cabinet ministers. The Festival is officially opened by the Madeiran President, Miguel Albuquerque.

WHO DESIGNS THE FLOWER FESTIVAL FLOATS?

As festival partners, the Isle of Madeira has more than 40 years of experience in hosting flower festivals. They are mostly responsible for the float building and floral designs. The Madeira Islands is situated 540 miles southwest of Lisbon, Portugal. They are an autonomous region of Portugal. The Parys design team is lead by the Master Madeiran floriculturist João Egídio. João was responsible for many famous Madeira Flower Festival floats over the years. This opportunity is also used to mentor up-and-coming local flower arrangers in the art of designing for large scale flower shows and exhibitions. To be part of this breathtaking extravaganza and to be mentored by João is an invaluable experience. João is also responsible for creating themed flower carpets at the Palesa festival grounds. Last year, these flower carpets celebrated the lives of Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu, truely South African Legends.

The 5 flower floats are designed in the colours of the respective five Tourism Routes of the Free State namely the Lion Route (green,) the Cheetah Route (red,) the Eagle Route (orange,) the Flamingo Route (yellow,) and the Springbok Route (blue.)

WHERE DOES THE FLOWER PARADE TAKE PLACE?

The Festival takes place in Bree Street, the main road of Parys. The street is closed off for the duration of the Festival. The Flower Forum is hosted at Partuma a famous Parys Jazz Club. The Flower Festival Grounds (Palesa Precinct) is situated at the end of Bree Street which is locally known as the “Container Mall.” This is a project by the Free State Small Business Development to stimulate the local township economy by encouraging entrepreneurial activities.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE EVENT?

As this is an outdoor event you should be prepared for all circumstances. Also due to many elements playing a roll in a successful flower festival, things often run later than intended, thus pack snacks and water to tide you over while you wait.

• Your camera or phone camera.
• Sunscreen.
• A hat.
• Water.
• An umbrella or light raincoat.
• Something warm.
• Wear comfortable shoes as parking may be a problem and you might have to walk a bit.
• Cash for extra water and snacks.

As Parys is such a beautiful town and the festival ends late afternoon you should consider spending the night. You’ll be tired from being on your feet for a few hours and who feels like the drive back to Jozi then? Book a table at one of the great restaurants in town and find somewhere to sleep. Your body and mind will thank you later!

Read more here.