You can't help but notice them every June in South Florida: Gorgeous red-orange Royal Poincianas trees on fire in bloom. But did you know there's a festival to celebrate their blazing beauty? The Royal Poinciana Fiesta is now in its 79th year, making it Miami’s oldest continuously running festival. The event takes place over two days, Sun., June 12 and Mon., June 13. On Sunday, you can take a narrated bus tour that explores the most stunning Royal Poincianas. They leave from The Kampong, where special tours are offered and you can bring a picnic lunch to explore the grounds. On Monday night at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, you can watch the the crowning of the Royal Poinciana Queen and Court and take part in other festivities.
This year, there’s a new event, inspired by the stunning blooms: the edible South Florida Cocktail Crawl and competition in Coconut Grove from Fri., June 10 through Sun., June 19. Many of the top restaurants and bars have created delectable Royal Poinciana-inspired cocktails. You can vote on your favorites via the ChallengeStar app and on social media, and the winners will be featured in edible South Florida.
Participants include Glass & Vine; Ariete; Jaguar; Peacock Garden Cafe; GreenStreet Cafe; Lulu in the Grove; and Taurus Beer & Whiskey House. Bianco Natural and Organic Gelato is creating the Mother Earth Gelato, a special flavor in honor of the Royal Poinciana.
Sponsored by the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, the Fiesta features two days of activities. Here's the schedule:
Sun., June 12
• 11:30: Visit to The Kampong, David Fairchild’s former home. Special admission $10 with tours at 11:45, 1, 2, 3. Bring a picnic!
• 1pm: Bus Tours leaving from The Kampong featuring a narrated tour of the most spectacular trees in bloom ($25–Reserve online in advance at tfts.org)
Mon., June 13
• 6:30: Reception at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
• 7pm: Tram tours, live music from Joe Donato, Royal Poinciana art, announcement of the Royal Poinciana Queen and her court, wine and cheese and the famous Royal Poinciana punch and cake.
Also known as Flamboyant, the Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) is native to Madagascar and grows throughout South Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, northern Australia, Asia and South America. The Royal Poinciana flowers range from bright red-orange to golden yellow.
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