Celebrate the 85th Annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta
It's the time of year when the spectacular Royal Poinciana trees are ablaze in color! Also known as Flamboyant, this spectacular flowering tree (Delonix regia) is native to Madagascar. In South Florida, the trees are in full bloom in May and June, coloring the horizon in shades ranging from bright orange, reddish orange and gold. Every year, the Tropical Flowering Tree Society presents the Royal Poinciana Fiesta with trolley tours and celebrations in honor of this magnificent tree. Here's this year's lineup:
Sunday, May 29 – 9:30am-noon
Waterway Kayak Tour highlighting Royal Poincianas in bloom, hosted by the Coral Gables Museum and Miami EcoAdventures. $45 per person, Kayaks provided. Enjoy natural vistas, manmade beauty and Coral Gables’ history. Registration required, call 305-603-8067 for more information.
Saturday, June 11 – 10am
Simpson Park and South Miami Avenue Walking Tour presented by Dade Heritage Trust. View what remains of South Florida’s natural hammock and the Royal Poinciana tree-lined South Miami Avenue. Start at DHT Headquarters, 190 SE 12th Terrace. Free but donations are welcome.
Saturday, June 11 – 2pm
Royal Poinciana Workshop at the Pinecrest Library, 5835 SW 111th Street, Pinecrest. Steve Pearson, former director of the Gifford Arboretum and past president of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, will present the history of the royal poinciana, its origins in South Florida and its use by early settlers, as well as information on the care and horticultural aspects of the tree, and the inspiration it has provided in art, music, and poetry. This event will be co-sponsored by Miami Pioneers/Natives of Dade. Free, adjacent parking.
Saturday, June 11– 6:30pm
Painting Royal Poinciana Trees at a cocktail party with a paintbrush. Join in for a fun experience painting Royal Poinciana trees at this unique event. All supplies are included. Take home a wonderful DIY painting! This event will be $45 per person. Sign up online at TFTS.org/RPFPainting (limited seats available). Wine and light refreshments. Miami Art Club, Mall of the Americas #18, 7795 W. Flagler Street.
Sunday, June 12 – 2-4:30pm
Royal Poinciana Trolley Tours of Coral Gables and surroundings, highlighting the best blossoms of the 2022 season. Narrated by two poinciana experts and past presidents of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, the tour begins at Coral Gables Police Dept, 2151 Salzedo Street. Tickets $25 pp. Seating is limited. Buy your tickets at TFTS.org/RPFTour in advance. Parking available.
Sunday, June 12 – 6-9pm
Poinciana Fiesta Party and Grand Finale at Garden House at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler. Tram Tours of the Garden at 6pm and 7pm. Reception and Presentation of the Royal Poinciana Queen and Court scholarship recipients beginning at 7:30pm. Refreshments, cake, and the famous Royal Poinciana Punch will be offered. The 2022 Larry Schokman Book Award recipient will be named. There's music by jazz pianist Brian Murphy, a display of vintage postcards featuring the Royal Poinciana. Free but guests are asked to bring a dish to share or make a donation. New Memberships are welcome. Enter at Fairchild South Entrance. Adjacent free parking.
RSVP to TFTS.org/RPFReception
