The twenty-sixth edition of the Festival of Flowers and Art, one of the most spectacular events of its kind, took place with the theme, “Scent of the Orient”.
The twenty-sixth edition of the Festival of Flowers and Art, one of the most spectacular events of its kind, took place with the theme, “Scent of the Orient”. From 1 to 4 May, cherry blossoms and rows of Asian inspirations reigned at the castle. Each year, the May festival is a way to welcome the return of spring with garlands of flowers, charming floral arrangements, remarkable artistic performances, medieval dancing and workshops in the shaping and styling of bonsai trees.
On this occasion, the pearl of Lower Silesia drew over 100,000 visitors, including plant enthusiasts and garden lovers from throughout Poland. Owing to Książ Castle’s enchanted appearance and the exceptional artistic programme, the festival is recognized as the loveliest and most interesting celebration of the holidays that take place in Poland in early May.
As usual, over 200 exhibiters came to the castle, and with them many gardeners, artisans, jewellers, and gastronomes. Visitors could enjoy a wide range of plants, flower bulbs, trees, ceramics, regional products and artistic works: paintings, jewellery, decorations and minerals. Nor was there a lack of wineries or bio-energy therapists – indeed, there was no lack of anything!
The programme of the Twenty-sixth Festival of Flowers and Art was utterly brimming with attractions!
It was here, on 30 April, that the Polish Floral Championships took place, where Poland’s most talented florists keenly competed. The floral constructions and designs that were created could be admired in the castle, and in the area in front of the castle, for the duration of the festival. The castle itself was overflowing with remarkable floral arrangements, even more than in the preceding years. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Scent of the Orient”, the festival was a celebration of finesse, originality, harmony and Asian inspiration.
The National Bonsai Exhibition took place in the castle ballroom, including a presentation of the most unusual specimens in the world, and a series of presentations involving the care and shaping of these miniature trees. To give us a closer look at this subject, world-renowned Bonsai artists came from Korea, Italy, Slovakia, Columbia and... Poland itself.
Clashing swords clanged on the festival stage, where later we heard wonderful concerts and took in the remarkable energy and classic steps of Oriental dancing. We also learned how to create our own floral bouquets and what horticultural therapy involves.
History, of course, also came alive. Specialists from Manggha, the Japanese Museum of Art and Technology, acquainted us with the culture and mysteries of their country; we learned about the unexplained secrets of Książ Castle from the castle’s Touristic and Culture Division. The presentations also took in the fascinations and travels of the strong-willed Princess Daisy. It is worth adding that the Horticultural Therapy Institute prepared a series of talks on the secret language of flowers, and also on the amazing characteristics of gardens. Festival guests could learn about all of these subjects in one of the most modern facilities in Poland: the Książ Castle Conference-Cultural Centre. The third floor of the former Hochberg residence is today a remarkable setting, where technology reveals its possibilities in an atmosphere that resonates with history.
All that was missing from the 26th edition of the festival was time to see everything! We thank everyone who was with us from 1 to 4 May!
Selcted publications:
http://kobieta.wp.pl/kat,26253,title,XXVI-Festiwal-Kwiatow-i-Sztuki,wid,16546745,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=112b1e - Wirtualna Polska
http://m.wyborcza.pl/wyborcza/1,105406,15880499,Barokowy_zamek_jak_orientalny_ogrod__Chca_100_tys_.html - Gazeta Wyborcza
http://www.walbrzyszek.com/news,single,init,article,23615 - Walbrzyszek.com
http://dolnyslask24.info.pl/index.php/kultura/874-nadchodzi-xxvi-festiwal-kwiatow-i-sztuki.html - DolnyŚląsk24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45SfmJcSMLE - Radio Wrocław
http://walbrzych4you.pl/aktualnosci/walbrzych/1977-xxvi-festiwalu-kwiatow-i-sztuki-ktory-odbywa-sie-na-zamku-ksiaz - Wałbrzych 4 U
