Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival:
One of the wonderful things about travel is the opportunity to experience another culture’s festivals and celebrations. How do other cultures move through life? What things does this culture hold dear and assemble for as a community? Tucked up in the green mountains of the Chiriqui highlands of Panama is the charming little town of Boquete, a beautiful valley full of flowers and surrounded by coffee plantations, and a fine place to holiday for this coffee lover. So what brings this culture together? Arguably one of the most beautiful festivals on earth: the Flower and Coffee Festival!
If you like to get out in nature… hiking, rappelling, biking, white water rafting… consider adding Boquete to your itinerary. Boquete it is located in the westernmost province of Panama called Chiriqui, and due to its elevation has a more temperate climate than what might come to mind when one thinks “Panama”. This makes it a well-loved vacation spot for Panamanian nationals, and even earned Boquete a spot on AARP’s “Top Places to Retire” list in 2010. It’s a lovely town, with tons to do and see, comfortable, beautiful sights and surroundings, and of course the rich volcanic soil, perfect for growing world class flowers and coffee!
Also known as The Flower Capital of Panama, each January since 1984, Boquete has held this annual flower festival which brings together local coffee, indigenous art, and an epic showcase of blooms which will have you wondering why your flower bed at home can’t step it up a notch! Everywhere you look, gorgeous hardy blossoms delight your senses with bright colors and perfumed air, there are people having fun celebrating, and a light hearted feel abounds.
You can of course visit the grounds themselves at any time, and no matter what time of year you choose, the drive up to Boquete will have you noticing that the flowers seem almost to decide for themselves that they want to grow here… impatiens, petunias and other hardy plants grow right out of the ditches, beautifying the roadsides and changing attitudes in direct relation to altitudes. But if you do choose to visit during the annual Flower & Coffee Festival, you’ll be in for a treat! Hot dog stands, beer gardens, and over 200 vendors displaying handicrafts and showcasing their coffee round out the Festival’s offerings. The Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival is also very family friendly with lots of entertainment options and games for the kids.
It is estimated that there are over 30,000 flowers for the uber-talented gardeners to keep, and what a fantastic effort they put forth to make the Festival a really special time for all who attend! One highlight of the Boquete Flower Festival every year is the beauty queen of the plant world, the orchid. With their display front and center for all to see, the local orchid society is rightfully proud of their stunning array of exotic blooms. Be sure to check it out!
If you’re lucky enough to meet one of the local gardeners, artisans or coffee growers in Boquete, ask some questions! Ask them to tell you about their work. Once you get them talking about what is not only their hobby but also their art, you’ll have made a friend for life!
If a trip to Boquete has been on your to-do list, consider planning it around the annual Flower and Coffee Festival, which runs somewhere around the 10th-20th of January every year. With plenty of other amazing tours and excursions available in Boquete, gorgeous emerald green hills at every turn and locals famous for their friendly and welcoming attitudes, you’ll be creating vacation memories and stories to tell for years to come.
To check the dates for next year, you can check back on the official website of Boquete Festivals, Feria de las Flores y del Cafe.