Castellaro Flower Festival Highlights Research, Exhibits, and Cultural Events
Promoted by the Amici di Castellaro Lagusello cultural association, with the sponsorship of the provinces of Mantova, Brescia, Verona, and other public entities, the Flower Festival, now in its tenth edition, attracts thousands of visitors to the village of Castellaro, just a short distance from Pozzolengo, in the territory of Monzambano. Visitors mainly come from Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna. The festival’s originality lies not only in the stalls spread throughout the historic center, showcasing items related to flowers — from antique prints to ceramics, honey to glassware, books to herbariums, bonsais to essential oils — but also in the decoration of the town, which features plants, shrubs, and flowers arranged according to a project aimed at enhancing every corner.
Program and Activities of the Festival
On Wednesday, April 25th, at 9:30 a.m., there will be a meeting with naturalist Giorgio Persico, who will speak about “The Edible Herbs of Mantova,” and with Dr. Pedro Benjamin, who will address the topic “Herbs and Health.” In the afternoon, in the recently renovated Uccellanda courtyard, the musical group La Rossignol will perform a concert-show. Dressed in Renaissance costumes and using curious antique instruments (flutes, shawms, ribeca, hurdy-gurdy, lute, percussion…), the musicians will recreate the atmospheres typical of ancient courtly and popular festivals using a repertoire of original music, creating an engaging environment, and involving the audience in communal dances.
On Sunday, April 29th, at the civic hall, a roundtable discussion will be held on “Local parks of supra-municipal interest, an opportunity for the Garda morainic amphitheater.” On Tuesday, May 1st, also at 9:30 a.m., another event will focus on the territory: “Castles and parishes of the Garda area: a heritage to protect and enhance.” Experts, scholars, and representatives from the Municipalities, the Provinces of Mantova, Brescia, and Verona, and the Lombardy Region will participate in both roundtables.
The Flower Festival, which decorates the historic center of Castellaro for ten days, will come alive with exhibitors and musicians only on April 25th, 29th, and May 1st, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The festival will also be an opportunity to visit the Castellaro Natural Reserve and the permanent exhibition showcasing its most significant naturalistic aspects.