Sanremo, a city renowned not just for its music but also for its vibrant floral heritage, is once again transforming into a colorful stage with the upcoming Festival dei Fiori. This year’s theme, "Riviera dei Fiori Giardino d’Europa," pays homage to the festival’s historic roots, recalling the moment in 1961 when floats from across Europe participated, solidifying the region’s reputation for floriculture.
The Festival dei Fiori, part of the broader Sanremoinfiore2025 celebration, showcases the hard work of local floriculturists, designers, and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to crafting spectacular floral arrangements. Featured blooms include anemones, ranunculus, and poppies, all transformed into living works of art that captivate audiences.
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 12:20 PM, the popular program "Linea Verde" on Rai 1 will delve into the deep connection between Sanremo and its floral industry. The episode, hosted by Peppone Calabrese, Livio Beshir, and Margherita Granbassi, will explore the city’s beauty, its inhabitants, and the floriculture that has earned Sanremo the title of "Città dei Fiori" or City of Flowers.
Throughout the episode, viewers will witness the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into preparing the floats for the parade. The competition includes eleven countries from the Riviera di Ponente, each float a unique masterpiece created with thousands of fresh flowers to ensure vibrancy and beauty. The preparation culminates the night before the parade, as floriculturists complete their decorations, ensuring that the flowers remain fresh for the big day.
But the festival is not solely about the floats. The beauty of the event is also enhanced by the presence of beauty queens associated with each float, who contribute to the overall splendor of the arrangements. Additionally, the festival will host collateral events, including the Sanremo Bouquet, where winners will create floral decorations for the Teatro Ariston stage during the renowned Festival della Canzone Italiana.
Sanremo offers more than just floral displays. The city boasts Mediterranean beaches, the botanical gardens of Villa Ormond, and the historic charm of La Pigna, its old town. This blend of nature and culture makes Sanremo an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in Italian beauty.
In the "Linea Verde" episode, viewers will also discover the floral compositions installed throughout the city, inspired by notable women, including scholars, artists, and photographers. These installations are curated by architects Giulia Giglio and Caterina Tamagno, showcasing the rich tapestry of creativity that thrives in Sanremo.
“Sanremo is the homeland of flowers and will always remain so. There is an indissoluble relationship,” said flower designer Claudia Marcone during the program. The episode also features flower stylist Jessica Tua, who is responsible for creating the bouquets for the Sanremo Music Festival each year. Tua, along with local hybridizers Lionello Brea and Beatrice Anfossi, shared insights into their profession, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working in floriculture. “It takes experience, patience, and luck that must never be lacking,” Brea explained.
As the Festival dei Fiori approaches, excitement builds not only for the floral floats but also for the cultural experiences that accompany them. The city’s streets will be alive with color, fragrance, and the sounds of celebration, inviting both locals and tourists to partake in the festivities.
The Festival dei Fiori stands as a testament to Sanremo’s rich heritage and its ongoing commitment to celebrating beauty through nature. This year’s event promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, creativity, and community spirit, reinforcing Sanremo’s status as a cultural hub on the Italian Riviera.
For those unable to attend in person, the "Linea Verde" program will provide a virtual tour of the city, highlighting its stunning floral displays and the stories behind them. This initiative aims to bring the essence of Sanremo’s floral culture into homes across Italy and beyond, ensuring that the legacy of the city’s floral artistry continues to bloom.
As the sun sets on the preparations for this year’s festival, one thing is clear: Sanremo is not just a city; it is a vibrant canvas painted with the colors of its flowers, echoing the artistry and passion of its people. The Festival dei Fiori is more than an event; it is a celebration of life, beauty, and the enduring connection between nature and culture.
