FREE STATE MADEIRA FLOWER FESTIVAL: PARYS SET TO BLOOM

On Friday, 24th and Saturday, 25 November 2017, Parys will burst into bloom again!

The first Free State Madeira Flower Festival in 2016 was an extravaganza of blossoms, petals, colours, sounds, scents, dancing and festivities; a partnership that was envisioned, seeded and grown by the Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, and Madeiran President, Alberto Joao Jardim.

30,000 visitors from all over the world streamed into the tiny town of Parys for two days of floral heaven. There were performers, floats, giant puppets, theatre shows, exhibitions, stalls, workshops, conferences, an amazing floral storytelling precinct – and masses of flowers.

Free State Gambling Liquor and Tourism authority CEO Kenny Dichabe says, ‘It was truly an incredible success, not only for Parys, or even the Free State, but for our entire country. And of course we intend to raise the bar and delight our visitors even more this year.”

The second annual Free State Madeira Flower Festival is set to be a colourful surge of entertainment, floral displays and a music concert featuring local artists; with Madeiran President Miguel Albuquerque and Free State Premier Ace Magashule in attendance.

Design experts led by Joao Rodrigues from Madeira are on their way to the Free State to decorate the floats; 500 dancers from various districts are swirling their way through their choreography; and the town of Parys on the beautiful banks of the Vaal River is already dressing up for the occasion.

The highlight of the event on Saturday is the stunning 1km flower parade through the main road – an extravaganza of colour, fairy-tale-like floral floats, hundreds and hundreds of choreographed performers in magnificent, flower-adorned outfits. The Palesa Parade is one of the largest street theatre movements in South Africa.

This festival is nectar for domestic tourists, particularly those looking for a quick escape from the Vaal Triangle, Potchefstroom or frenetic Joburg. Parys, an easy 1.5-hour drive on the N1 from Joburg, is the weekend playground for city slickers looking for a little respite and entertainment, or a multitude of independent cultural and adventure activities.

Book your accommodation now for 24th and 25th November – Parys is filling up fast. And remember, all parking and events at the Free State Madeira Flower Festival are FREE.

Contact no: 051 404 0300

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