by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Serena Tonel, Deputy Mayor of Trieste and Councillor for Economic Policies; Alessandro Muzina, President of AssofiorItalia
Trieste will welcome the arrival of spring with the 26th edition of “Trieste in Fiore,” a sprawling open-air flower market set to transform Viale XX Settembre into a garden promenade from March 21 to 29.
Presented this week at City Hall, the annual event—organized by AssofiorItalia in collaboration with the municipality—has become a fixture of the city’s seasonal calendar, drawing an estimated 450,000 visitors last year from across northeastern Italy and neighboring Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.
Running daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the exhibition will feature more than 35 growers and artisans offering plants, garden décor and botanical products. The stretch between Largo Bonifacio and Via Rossetti will be reimagined with landscaped displays, floral installations and shaded green spaces, creating what city officials describe as a “living showcase” of the floriculture sector.
“This is a highly scenic event that helps open Trieste’s tourist season,” said Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel at the presentation, noting that the initiative also serves as an economic driver for local businesses.
This year’s theme, “Save the Polar Bears,” introduces an environmental dimension, using floral design to raise awareness about climate change. Alongside the commercial offerings, the program includes educational workshops for children and schools, as well as demonstrations led by horticultural experts aimed at encouraging sustainable gardening practices.
The event will also feature a charitable component. In the lead-up to Easter, proceeds from the sale of artisanal chocolate eggs will support Azzurra, an association assisting families at the Burlo Garofolo maternal and child health institute.
A highlight of the week will be the 20th edition of the “Fiore d’Oro” competition, where floral artists will present original compositions. The winner will be announced on March 28 during a public ceremony that will also include the unveiling of a 50-kilogram Easter egg.
With its blend of commerce, culture and community engagement, “Trieste in Fiore” continues to position itself not just as a market, but as a celebration of the season—one that brings color, fragrance and a sense of renewal to the city’s streets.
