Thronged avenues of blooming blossoms in Redondo anticipates up to 150,000 visitors by August 10
In the heart of Alentejo, Portugal, a small village named Redondo comes alive every two years, transforming into a vibrant floral wonderland during the "Ruas Floridas Redondo" festival.
Held around the start of August, this lively community celebration sees the historic centre of Redondo adorned with intricate paper flowers, sculptures, and other decorations. The event features a large stage with notable national artists, turning it into a musical extravaganza[2].
The tradition of paper flower decoration in Redondo has deep roots in the town's cultural identity, attracting over 150,000 visitors who come to witness the town's magical metamorphosis[2]. Although the historical origins of this tradition are not extensively documented, it is recognised as a significant cultural festivity for the town.
Lisete, a resident of Redondo, is one of the creators behind these stunning paper flowers. Made from paper and cardboard, each flower is a testament to her passion and dedication. Over the years, Lisete has handcrafted a total of 200 paper flowers for her street[1].
The flower-lined streets of Redondo, stretching across 25 streets, are a unique attraction that leaves both residents and visitors in awe. The streets are so captivating that one might feel tempted to touch them to believe their beauty[1].
The event generates a substantial amount of revenue for the village, with each visitor contributing an average of 15 euros[1]. Over the course of the festival, the village is estimated to earn a total of 2,250,000 euros from visitor spending[1].
The flower-lined streets can be leisurely viewed within a span of 2.5 hours, providing visitors with ample time to soak in the enchanting atmosphere[1]. The regularity of this tradition began in the last century, and it continues to be a source of immense pride for the people of Redondo[1].
Despite feeling tired, Lisete continues her hobby, contributing to the continued success of this beautiful biennial event in Redondo. The "Ruas Floridas Redondo" festival is more than just a celebration; it's a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the transformative power of art.
[1] Source: Local news articles and interviews with residents [2] Source: Official Ruas Floridas Redondo festival website
In Redondo, Portugal, the bi-annual "Ruas Floridas Redondo" festival showcases not only the town's vibrant lifestyle but also the artistic craft of fashion-and-beauty, as seen in the intricate paper flowers decorating the streets. Home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate the beautiful flower-lined streets that transform the village, turning it into a stunning garden wonderland.