A Floral Face-Off: Liguria’s Villages Vie for “borghi in Fiore” Title

Liguria is once again hosting it’s celebrated “Borghi in Fiore” (Villages in Bloom) competition, a social media-driven contest designed to showcase the region’s stunning floral displays and promote its charming villages. This year marks the third edition of the event, organized by the Liguria Region Tourism Department in collaboration with the Ligurian Florovivistic District.

How to Cast Your Vote

From April 20th to 22nd, the public can participate by liking photos of their favorite village’s floral arrangements on the official Liguria Region Facebook page. The village with the most likes will be crowned the winner.

The contenders: Coastal Charm vs. Inland Beauty

Eight municipalities have been selected to compete, representing the diverse landscapes of Liguria. Each province is represented by two villages: one coastal and one from the hinterland. This year’s participants are:

• Imperia: Cervo and Perinaldo
• Savona: Borgio Verezzi and Millesimo
• Genoa: Santa Margherita Ligure and Santo Stefano d’Aveto
• La Spezia: Ameglia and Varese Ligure

More than Just Flowers: Promoting Liguria’s Heritage

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, “Borghi in fiore” serves a crucial purpose: to highlight Liguria’s floriculture industry and promote the unique beauty and traditions of its villages. The competition underscores the importance of tourism in the region, which contributes considerably to the local economy. According to recent data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Liguria has seen a 15% increase in tourism revenue in the past year, partly attributed to initiatives like “Borghi in Fiore.”

To be eligible for the contest, municipalities must possess either a Blue Flag (awarded for beach and water quality), an Orange Flag (recognizing tourism excellence in smaller inland towns), or be recognized as one of the most gorgeous villages in Italy.

Previous Victors: A Look Back at Blooming Success

The competition has seen notable engagement in previous years. In 2023, Framura (La Spezia) took the crown with 3,080 likes. Last year,Laigueglia (Savona) emerged victorious,garnering 3,882 likes.

Last year,at the second edition,[Borghi in Fiore] achieved enormous success with an increase of over three thousand ‘likes’ and about twenty thousand views compared to the previous year,testifying to the fact that everyone wants to win a stimulating competition that means not only beauty,but also visibility.

Luca Lombardi,councilor for tourism

Looking Ahead: A Blooming Future for Ligurian Tourism

Luca Lombardi,the councilor for tourism,expressed his enthusiasm for the competition’s potential to boost tourism and showcase the region’s hidden gems. He plans to visit the participating villages to admire the floral installations and reaffirm the region’s commitment to supporting its rural communities.

As Liguria prepares for another vibrant edition of “Borghi in Fiore,” the competition promises to be a festivity of beauty, community, and the enduring appeal of Italy’s picturesque villages. The event not only enhances the visibility of these charming locations but also fosters a sense of pride and collaboration among residents.