The “Mostra Mercato dell’Azalea” ( Azalea Flower Show and Market) is a very important event for the Media Valle of the Serchio. The conditions for the growth of the azalea are ideal in this area , and its cultivation, a long standing tradition, has recently become a very important productive sector. Even if the Market/ Show is the result of this transformation in local agriculture, it was also of enormous value in the expansion of floriculture in Borgo a Mozzano.
The flower show takes place along the streets and in the piazzas of the medieval borough, which fill up with colour and assure a great visual display even to those who are not interested in gardening. There are also different types of entertainment during this event.
This show, organised by a promotions commitee which depends on Pro-Loco of Borgo a Mozzano, is supported by the Council of Borgo a Mozzano, the Ministry for the environment, the Ministry for agricultural policy, the A.P.T. Lucca, the Region, the Province and the Mountain Community of Media Valle del Serchio
Details:
L. Brega Biennale Azalea: la sua storia (1970-1989), in Borgo a Mozzano in fiore, Mostra Mercato dell’Azalea 1989
by car: from Lucca ss12 road towards Abetone until Borgo a Mozzano
Busses and trains from Lucca
Pro Loco Borgo a Mozzano
tel 0583 888881 fax 0583 888881
Comune di Borgo a Mozzano
tel: 0583 82041 fax 0583 820459
posta@comune.borgoamozzano.lu.it
Comitato Promotore della Mostra Mercato dell’Azalea
Comune di Borgo a Mozzano
The first Azalea show took place in 1970. However, in 1954, studies carried out by the Agricultural Studies Centre belonging to the Italian Shell company, were already underway concerning the agricultural conditions at Borgo a Mozzano. Local agriculture was characterised by an extreme fragmentation of farming land, in a prevalently mountainous and hilly territory where there was a lack of technical means, as well as a great disproportion between work intensity in companies and results produced. They were generally family run. During their activities, the technicians belonging to the study centre noted that almost every family grew some azalea plants as a hobby. From this observation, they discovered that the perfect conditions for the growth of azalea were present in Borgo a Mozzano and decided to experiment with its cultivation for commercial purposes. The success of this initiative culminated in the 1970’s flower show that is repeated even today. Infact, Borgo a Mozzano’s Market/Flower show has become one of the most important national events in Italian floriculture.