Holambra, Brazil's flower town, and its Expoflora

What it is

Holambra, in the state of São Paulo, was founded in 1948 by Catholic farming families from the Netherlands. Its name joins Holanda, América and Brasil. After hard early years with dairy cattle, the settlers turned to flowers, and the town is now the centre of Brazil's flower and ornamental plant trade, with a Dutch-style cooperative auction. It keeps a windmill, Dutch gables and clog dancing. Each year around September, at the start of the Brazilian spring, it holds Expoflora, the largest flower fair in Latin America, with show gardens, arrangements, dancing and a daily shower of rose petals thrown over the crowd. Visits to flower fields are offered during the fair.

Before you go

• Expoflora runs on certain days over several weeks. Check the dates and buy tickets ahead.
• It is about two hours from São Paulo. Many visitors come on day coaches.
• The field tours need a separate booking and fill quickly.

The flowers you will see

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursGerberaBright daisy-like blooms from South Africa, popular in gardens and bouquetsChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyondOrchidA vast family of colourful, often fragrant flowers found almost everywhere on earthCommon sunflowerA tall annual plant grown for its large yellow flower heads and edible seeds

More in Brazil

🇧🇷 Brasília · Jun to SepThe ipê trees of Brasília in the dry seasonIn the dry months, leafless ipê trees across Brasília flower in turn: pink and purple, then yellow, then white. 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro · All yearThe Jardim Botânico of Rio de JaneiroA botanic garden founded in 1808 at the foot of Corcovado, with an avenue of royal palms, an orchid house and giant waterlilies. 🇧🇷 Curitiba · All yearThe glasshouse and parterres of Curitiba's botanical gardenThe postcard view of Curitiba: a white metal and glass greenhouse above French-style flower beds and fountains. 🇧🇷 São Paulo · All yearThe CEAGESP flower fair in São PauloTwice a week before dawn, a hall of São Paulo's giant wholesale market fills with flowers and plants from across the state.