Ventimiglia - June 22, 2003

The Battle of the Flowers (Battaglia dei Fiori) is a celebration that takes place in Ventimiglia, a lovely town at the border with southern France, capital of the "Riviera dei Fiori"  together with such gems as Sanremo, Bordighera and Arma di Taggia. This area, famous worldwide for its temperate climate, olive groves and luscious mountains, offers some of the most gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea. To enjoy one of the best panoramas of the "Riviera", tour the Gardens of Villa Hanbury, with over 2000 species of plants and flowers overlooking the sea.

The event  has its roots in the ancient ritual societies of the past, when people used to welcome spring and the rebirth of nature after a long and frosty winter.

This carnival is a feast for the eyes with the three-dimensional wagons carrying giant-size puppets entirely crafted from fresh flowers in a mosaic of  exquisite colors.

While the wagons parade down the main street in Ventimiglia, the occupants start to throw flowers at the public who in turn respond doing the same.

The result is a very colorful and peaceful battle accompanied by traditional folk music that at the end of the day will leave a carpet of vivacious blooms to cover the streets of the city.

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