History

Floriade began in 1988 as a spectacular commemoration of Australia's bicentenary and Canberra's 75th birthday. Floriade blossomed for the first time with a stunning floral display of exotic bulbs and annuals, which grow beautifully in Canberra's ideal climate. The community embraced the inaugural Floriade, making it such a success that it became an annual event, Australia's celebration of spring.

Since its beginnings in 1988 Floriade has always been held in the heart of the city in Canberra's beautiful Commonwealth Park, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The word Floriade comes from the Latin word 'floriat', meaning 'to design with flowers'. The name was inspired by other flower festivals held in the Netherlands, called Keukenhof and Floriade.

Past themes

Floriade evolves with a new theme every year, creating an ever-changing floral spectacular.

1988: The very first Floriade

1989: Floriade

1990: Floral Garlands, Champagne Bubbles and Floral River

1991: Music

1992: The Art of Horticulture

1993: Kites, Colour and Movement

1994: Reflections

1995: Carnival of Cultures

1996: Floriade Celebrates the Arts

1997: Colour by Day and Night

1998: Gardens and Gourmets

1999: Magic of the Gardens

2000: Games in the Garden

2001: The Century in Bloom

2002: Poetry in Flowers

2003: The Heavens in Bloom

2004: The Wonder of Water

2005: Rock ‘n’ Roll in Bloom

2006: Carnivale - the world on show

2007: Aussie icons, myths & legends