It paid homage to Cruz España, Luis de Lion, Van Gogh, and Frida Kahlo.

On Sunday, the Flower Festival in the Antigua Guatemala Municipality closed its ninth edition, bringing together more than 300,000 national and international visitors. The event counted with floral installations, artistic activities, and family-friendly spaces, all integrated into the historical heritage.

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The Municipality highlighted the safety achieved through a comprehensive mobility plan, which facilitated the flow of more than 100,000 vehicles, with alternate routes, municipal and private parking, and sponsored transportation to reduce congestion on main access roads.

Among the artistic activities, the concert by the Municipal Youth Orchestra on 1st Avenue and the installation of a metal hummingbird in front of the City Hall, stood out. The hummingbird piece was created by municipal staff and decorated by volunteers.

The theme of this edition was “Antigua, City of the Arts, Where Stars Bloom,” paying homage to Cruz España, Luis de Lion, Van Gogh, and Frida Kahlo. A pedestrian route was designed between 1st and 6th Avenue streets to appreciate the floral arrangements.

The text reads, “Thousands of Guatemalans and foreigners are arriving for the Ninth Annual Flower Festival in Antigua Guatemala. Today the city is adorned with color, culture, art, and creativity. This year’s theme: “Antigua, City of the Arts, Where Stars Bloom.”

The tourism sector celebrated the festival’s positioning, although it pointed out mobility problems, its overlap with Christmas activities, and street vending. Carlos Ramos, the president of the Association of Tourist Service Providers (Asoprotur), suggested holding the festival during the off-season to avoid overcrowding in November.

Carlos Gomez, in charge of mass events for the Municipality, explained that two safe perimeters were implemented, one near the exhibitions and another to divert vehicles, combined with eight municipal and 28 private parking lots.

According to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), the festival attracted 327,469 people in 2024, with 86.4% domestic tourism and 13.6% international, generating US$19.6 million. This year, 12,602 vehicles with MarbEx bought stickers were recorded, while the official publication of economic figures is expected in the coming days.

teleSUR: JP

Source: Centroamerica 360

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