Capitola Begonia Festival
Origin of Capitola Begonia Festival
Capitola’s version grew from the Capitola Water Fantasy, which ran from 1950 to 1954. The term “Begonia Festival” was not used until 1954. However, the organizers later changed the commencement date to 1952. For the first time, the Capitola Begonia Festival coexisted with the water carnival in the summer. The nautical procession, which included Queen Jeanette Hayford and her royal court, was sponsored by the Capitola Businessmen’s Association. Matthew’s Santa Cruz Athletic Club’s underwater swimmers dragged six parade floats along Soquel Creek.
The end-of-summer begonia parade was founded by a woman who fulfilled her goal of bringing Capitola Beach international attention. When neighbors discovered that the begonia blossoms gathered by Brown Bulb Ranch would go to waste while the bulbs were being prepared for market, they transformed them into crowd-pleasing floats that traveled down Soquel Creek to Capitola Beach’s lagoon. Since then, Capitola’s main attractions have been begonia flowers, painted floats, and the early October festival. In 2017, the begonia was named the official city flower.
Activities at Capitola Festival commemoration
Capitola Festival includes a sand sculpture contest, row boat races, a fishing derby, and an illuminated nautical parade are, all part of the Capitola Beach Festival, which takes place on September 24 and 25. There will also be an “Extra Huge” Concert in the Park. It is completely free and open to the public. The worldwide saxophone quintet will take part in the event, which will take place in Esplanade Park.
The Capitola History Museum erected an homage to the Capitola Begonia Festival in the event’s spirit. It will contain both nostalgic artifacts from previous festivals as well as some new stuff. The celebration will also include a scavenger hunt, disc golf, and an illuminated nautical procession. Some events will be free, while others will require tickets. The Capitola Beach Music Festival is also part of the festival and will feature music from various local artists.
Capitola’s horticultural heritage gave rise to the Capitola Begonia Festival. Since the 1930s, tuberous begonias have been a part of the community’s floral tradition. Every year’s festival features thousands of them, as well as a variety of other vibrant flowers and plants.
The Seawall is covered in chalk art.
During the Capitola Begonia Festival, you may make chalk artwork on Capitola Beach’s seawall. It’s a great activity for the entire family. Every participant receives art chalk to utilize in the creation of their creations.
The Begonia Festival lasts four days. It began in the early 1950s. Capitola’s iconic emblem became the begonia flower. Millions of bulbs were donated by Golden State Bulb farmers to create the blossom Capitola’s official flower.
The Capitola Begonia Festival attracts visitors from around the state. Every Labor Day weekend, it is held. It includes floats, dancing performances, concerts, and children’s activities. A fishing derby, a sand sculpting contest, and a nautical parade are among the activities available to visitors.
Conclusion
The Capitola Begonia Festival combines artistic and creative minds in an ideal social setting to showcase a purposeful course. It incorporates all ages and prides itself in its unique ability to allow for diverse expressionism.
