Rhine in Flames (Germany)

The main highlight in Bingen is the annual "Rhine in Flames" firework spectacular, which lights up the night skies on both sides of the river and attracts large numbers of spectators to this picturesque setting in the Rhine Valley.

The "Rhine in Flames" festival brings a night of magnificent firework magic to Bingen. This spectacular show is accompanied by a three-day programme of events.

Rhine in Flames is a yearly fireworks extravaganza that bathes the river in light in five different cities throughout the summer. On July 3rd, the lights lit up between Trechtingshausen and Bingen.

Over 50 illuminated boats were underway for the festivities. Castles, houses, and monuments along the river were lit in red as seven firework displays adorned the evening's festivities on both land and water.

A three-day program of events kicked off the event in Bingen to accompany the fireworks and featured food and wine stands, as well as theater, comedy, and live music. Many visitors highly recommend viewing the annual spectacle by boat.

Rhine in Flames dates back to the 1930s. Though during its first 20 years, it was often heald sporadically, it has become a regular attraction in the five participating cities.

Flowers Festival

Scince July 28 to August 7, the Feria de las Flores, or the Flowers Festival in Medellin, is one of the largest events in the country and one of the largest horticultural events in the world.

The festival began in the 1950's to help inspire the large number of flower growers in and around Medellin. The first festivities consisted of just the locals parading small arrangements through the downtown area but it has blossomed into a more than a week long event filled with concerts, parades, speeches, and craft sales.

There are some arrangements called Silletas that can be as large as 15 feet in diameter and need to be carried by a handful of people are one of the highlights. They are arranged to make intricate designs, sometimes of landscapes, figures, or famous paintings and images.

Elsewhere in Medellin during the festival, one can visit the Old Car Parade, the Horse Parade, a Bird and Flower Exposition at the Botanical Gardens, the San Alejo handicrafts market, and the Tablados, or street parties that take place everyday in different parts of the city.

The fair ends with a Grand Parade on the final day that is hours long and filled with music and dancing and flowers.

However, the fair has replaced that image and tourists are taking notice as the festival grows each year.

At present, more than 70% of the flowers sold in the US come from Colombia.