AN “absolutely spectacular” colourful festival has been added to the South African events calendar.The Free State Madeira Flower Festival, scheduled to take place from 29 November – 01 December 2019 in Parys, will include 500 dancers, five massive float and giant flowers puppets performing around a spectacular flower precinct in Disney-like flower story. It will be the third time a fully-fledged, massive flower parade takes to the streets, anywhere in South Africa. Entry will be free.
The event is a joint venture between the governments of the Free State and Madeira, who host the world’s largest flower festival.
The Festival is really a creative way to stimulate the flower industry so by raising its profile, we will draw more participation and fast track opportunities around export, at the same time. “As a tourism authority, we will also use the event to stimulate tourism in the region and draw thousands of visitors from Gauteng and surrounding provinces to quaint Parys.” The bulk of African flower exports into Europe currently were from Kenya and it is hoped that through the Madeiran link, the event would also unlock critical opportunities for South African growers.
Precinct:
- Lifestyle exhibition platform
- Flower carpets exhibition
- Entertainment arena
Parade:
- Official opening ceremony
- 1km of floral procession/ carnival
- 5 floral floats representing Big 5 Routes
- 500 participants
Events:
- Event: Flower Forum – Friday, 29th November 2019
Time: 10h00 – 13h00
Location & Responsibility:- Parys
- Department of Agric and Rural Development
Description:
The forum is a platform accorded by the Provincial Government to engage farmers to consider flower farming and export as a new economic trajectory for the Free State.
Target: Emerging farmers, commercial farmers, aspirant farmers, Universities, Media, FDC, Madeiran Government.
Possible Speakers: DESTEA, the dti, University Lecturers, Treasury MEC, DARD. - Event: Monyaka wa Dipalesa (Celebration of Flowers) – Friday, 29th November 2019
Time: As per invite
Location & Responsibility:- Precinct, Parys
Description:
(by invite only) Monyaka wa Dipalesa – will be the official opening ceremony of the FSMFF hosted as a cocktail function and showcasing the Chinese and African cuisine. - Event: Kasi tourism – Saturday, 30th November 2019
Time: As per invite
Location & Responsibility:- Tumahole, Parys
- Thabang Selemela
Description:
(by invite only) This will promote tourism precincts within the township. - Event: Main flower parade – Saturday, 30th November 2019
Time: 16h00 – 18h00
Location & Responsibility:- Breë Street, Parys
Description:
Depicting the 5 Routes in foral themes to promote the diverse offerings that the Free State sells as a destination. The main parade is also used to entrench the bilateral agreement signed between the Free State Government and the Government of Madeira on tourism and flower trade amongst others. - Event: Night Concert – Saturday 30th November 2019
Time: 18h00 – 00h00
Location & Responsibility:- Container Park
Description:
The after-party musical event to cater for the youth. - Event: Powerboat – Sunday, 01st December 2019
Time: 10h00 – 18h00
Location & Responsibility:- Parys Golf & Country Estate, Parys
Description:
Water based sports that is hosted to showcase the talent of the youth from Ngwathe Local Municipality who were trained on the sport and are currently ready to participate in regional and national competitions. Speed boat race.
