Azalea Market Exhibition

On Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, Borgo a Mozzano—the town famous for its Devil’s Bridge at the gateway to the Mid Serchio Valley—will be inundated with floriculturists, plant nursery workers, artisans, street food, music and more. The historic center of the village will be transformed into a garden, with flower beds and flower arrangements. The undisputed star is the Azalea, in a celebration of spring in this magical valley rich in history and culture.

Here in 1954, the Center for Agricultural Studies was established. In the following decade, a survey was conducted throughout the Borgo a Mozzano area, thanks to which the Center noted that in every house and in every yard, numerous Azalea plants grew and reproduced spontaneously with great ease. From this came the idea of holding the Azalea Market Exhibition each April.  

Over time, numerous farms have sprung up, dedicated to the cultivation of Borgo a Mozzano azaleas, which are today known and appreciated nationally and internationally.   

The Azalea Market Exhibition, which officially began in 1979 with the aim of encouraging the production and cultivation of azaleas, has continued to grow, becoming a regular event for producers and lovers of this flower, so much so that Borgo a Mozzano is now known as the Land of Azaleas. 

The event even encompasses initiatives related to the promotion and sale of typical local products such as oil, wine, honey and cheese, enriched by cultural events such as painting exhibitions, shows, themed conferences and concerts. Special space is given to the tasting of local wines and the sampling of special products such as the Cune Chestnut, in collaboration with the Associazione Castanicoltori Lucchese (Chestnut Growers Association of Lucca).