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From May 9th to 17th, following a cherished May tradition, Girona dons its floral attire as the Flower Festival returns for its 71st edition.

In recent years, the festival has left a bittersweet impression. Let’s be honest: the display has noticeably “thinned out.” Where dozens of installations used to bloom, empty spaces now remain. It feels as though the festival has shrunk, and simply wandering the city is no longer enough—you need to know exactly where to go to get the most out of the experience.

We invite you on a virtual stroll to discover our favorite and most noteworthy locations of this year.

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The undisputed centerpiece is the Cathedral Steps (No. 44 — Trencadís en flors). This is a flawless tribute to Antoni Gaudí: the “trencadís” mosaic technique, reimagined through floral splendor, fits the monumental steps perfectly. It is perhaps the most powerful and harmonious work of the festival.

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Just around the corner, on the Pujada de la Catedral (No. 37 — #Drac_cuadeflorscordellegenda), the famous Catalan legend of Saint George slaying the dragon comes to life. The floral dragon, pierced by a sword, is a dynamic, vibrant composition that feels perfectly at home in the heart of the Old Town.

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The theme of water has become a cornerstone for many artists this year:

• Plaza dels Jurats (No. 59 — Aigua font de vida): Here, water is presented as the source of all life, creating a peaceful oasis in the middle of the stone city.

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• The Wall near the Arab Baths (No. 60 — Jardí submergit): This “Submerged Garden” plays with the themes of moisture and shade. It is a delicate piece, masterfully integrated into the atmosphere of the adjacent ancient baths, reminding us how precious every drop of fresh water once was within these walls.

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Girona’s ancient courtyards still hold the cozy charm of festivals past, even if their doors open less frequently now:

• Casa Burgués (No. 34 — Gaudint de les flors al 1860): A charming scene from the 19th century. Ladies dressed in 1860s fashion stand frozen among the flowers, transporting us back to the era of Romanticism.

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• Casa Carles (No. 18 — 75 anys dormint sota les estrelles): An incredibly atmospheric work. Camping tents and a “bonfire” made of flowers create a nostalgic image of nights spent under the open sky.

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The festival also features some ambiguous imagery. The steps in front of Sant Martí Church (No. 27 — El renaixement de la primavera) are meant to represent the “rebirth of spring,” but the white mask amidst the sea of blossoms evokes somber, almost theatrical undertones. Nevertheless, that is the beauty of the festival—it stirs emotions, however complex they may be.

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An unforgettable impression was left by the installation in La Carbonera (No. 40 — Unió floral). This place is deeply moving. In the dark, damp cellar, under mysterious lighting, the fresh flowers look almost otherworldly. The contrast between the harsh darkness and fragile tenderness is perhaps the most powerful aesthetic shock of the year.

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If you still have some energy left, be sure to check these out:

• Installation 71 — Entrefils: A unique view of the Basilica of Sant Feliu, seen through a “woven” perspective of threads from the Sant Feliu Bridge.

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• Installation 70 — La lleona és coquetona: The famous Lioness of Girona has decided on a makeover this year—she is coquettishly adorned with crocheted roses.

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• Installation 69 — Focs d’artifici: A floral “firework” display frozen on the steps of the Basilica of Sant Feliu.

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• Installation 13 — El quiosc de les flors: A charming flower kiosk that brings us back to the roots and very essence of the festival.

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• Installation 22 — Aparador en flor, ciutat de gala: A festive window display on Girona’s Rambla—the city putting on its finest gala dress.

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• Installation 23 — Esperit modernista: The “Spirit of Modernism” captured in petals and forms.

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• Installation 24 — Metamorfosi vertical “Columnes vives”: A view of the Onyar River and its “living columns” from the Eiffel Bridge.

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• Installation 32 — ADN Floral: This year, the Pont de Sant Agustí is decorated with “Floral DNA”—a symbol that floristry is woven into the very genetic code of the city.

The Bottom Line: Yes, the city’s “floral map” in 2026 feels a bit like a dotted line. But despite everything, Girona is still capable of delivering that unique magic that keeps us coming back every May.

Want to learn more about the festival? Check out the official website for all the details and a full map of the locations.  You can see what the festival looked like in previous years here: 2024,  2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.