Italy in spring is often marked by the most beautiful and delicate alpine wild flowers, although the city of Bolzano in Alto Adige is focussing on something even more colourful in its Italian flower festival.
The town explodes in colour with its signature flower, the geranium, to be seen hanging from window boxes and planted in garden beds all over the city.
It’s all about having the “balcone più bello”, or the best balcony in town.
In Alto Adige, geraniums are called “Brennende Liebe”, and they are a symbol of patriotic love in these parts.
Traditionally, women travel down into the valley to buy geraniums at the “Festa dei Fiori”, which takes place from April 30 to May 2 in Piazza Walther.
Italy’s alpine culture and mountain communities are something to enjoy all year round, getting to know the areas and the extraordinary people who live there.