Corso Fleuri in Bormes-les-Mimosas
An age-old Provencal tradition
There’s no doubt about it, Provence is a master of the art of colourful and fragrant events! Among them, the “Corso Fleuri” flower parade in Bormes-les-Mimosas is a delightfully authentic heritage celebration, etched in the local culture of the Var area. The first edition of the parade dates back to 1920 no less, when the inhabitants of Bormes-les-Mimosas decided to celebrate the mimosa that blooms everywhere in the hills around the village from January to March, exuding a delicate perfume. The flowers were arranged on carts pulled through the village streets by donkeys. The word “corso” actually means “high street” in Italian! Of course, the event has evolved over time, with tractors then floats replacing the original donkey-drawn carts. In addition to mimosa, today’s parade offers a magnificent display of anemones, daisies and carnations, all grown in the Var area. They are used to decorate around fifteen floats each bedecked with 10 to 15,000 blooms. Over time, the renown of this delightful Provencal celebration has stretched far beyond the borders of France.
