Montreal is being transformed into a floral wonderland as the Fleurs de Villes Noël exhibition takes center stage at the Centre Eaton de Montréal. This free, 10-day celebration of flowers is a must-see for anyone in the city this holiday season, offering a dazzling display of creativity, artistry, and festive cheer.
The exhibition, which began on November 8 and runs through November 17, is a part of the renowned Fleurs de Villes series, a global event that celebrates the beauty and joy of flowers. With every edition, the show features stunning floral displays crafted by talented local florists, creating a unique experience for each city it visits.
A World-Class Floral Celebration
The Fleurs de Villes Noël exhibition is a luxurious floral showcase where mannequins dressed in fresh flower arrangements stand as living works of art. Every display is an explosion of color, scent, and creativity, with each piece uniquely reflecting the holiday spirit. The show is designed to spread joy and uplift the spirits of anyone who experiences it, as flowers are known to have an immediate positive impact on mood.
“We want to spread joy through flowers,” said Emily Dynes, Project Manager at Fleurs de Villes. “Flowers have a universal appeal. They make people smile and brighten up their day, no matter who they are or where they live.”
For florists like Cynthia Grow from Aarhus Atelier & Floral, being part of Fleurs de Villes Noël is an exciting and deeply fulfilling opportunity. “This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been a part of,” Grow shared. “The show gives you creative freedom and allows you to express yourself in the most beautiful way possible through flowers.”
The Magic of “Noël – Holiday” Theme
This year’s Fleurs de Villes Noël exhibition in Montreal is themed around “Noël – Holiday,” a fitting celebration of the season’s festivities. The holiday theme is reflected in the floral arrangements, which range from elegant, wintry creations to vibrant, festive displays. Florists have used a mix of flowers, foliage, and unique materials to create arrangements that evoke the spirit of Christmas and the winter holidays, making each display a visual masterpiece.
The Fleurs de Villes shows, which began in Vancouver in 2016, have grown in stature and have since made their way to cities around the world. Local florists are invited to participate, and the process of selecting the florists for each show is highly competitive. Once chosen, the florists are given full creative freedom to design their displays, often resulting in elaborate, awe-inspiring works that showcase their talent and vision.
Creating Masterpieces with Real Flowers
A standout feature of the Fleurs de Villes shows is that all the arrangements used for the mannequins are made from fresh, real flowers. From intricately designed dresses to whimsical sculptures, each piece requires meticulous craftsmanship and hours of work to complete.
Cynthia Grow’s creation, a stunning “Snow Queen” floral design, is a prime example of the intricate artistry involved. The piece took over 30 hours to make, using “lots and lots of hot glue” and floral foam to construct the elaborate and delicate arrangement. “The process is very hands-on and time-consuming, but the result is worth every minute,” said Grow. “It’s truly a labor of love.”
The combination of floral foam and hot glue allows the florists to secure the flowers in place and create bold, dramatic structures that remain intact for the duration of the show. It’s a technique that has become a hallmark of Fleurs de Villes displays, contributing to their signature look and feel.
Participating in the Joy of Flowers
The Fleurs de Villes Noël show is not just for flower enthusiasts. It’s an immersive experience that invites everyone, from children to adults, to take in the beauty of nature’s most stunning creations. The exhibition offers an opportunity for Montrealers to appreciate the art of floristry in a whole new light.
For those who want to engage even more with the display, there is an interactive component: the public is invited to vote for their favorite floral arrangements. Visitors can cast their votes for the “People’s Choice Award” for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping gift card, making it not just a celebration of flowers, but a fun, community-oriented event.
A Flower Market and Floral Workshops
In addition to the spectacular floral displays, the Fleurs de Villes Noël event also includes a flower market and special floral workshops, or “ateliers,” designed to allow visitors to get hands-on experience with flowers and learn more about the artistry behind the creations. These workshops, taking place on Saturday, offer an intimate and educational experience for those interested in floral design.
For the flower market, visitors will have the chance to purchase bouquets, arrangements, and other floral products, making it the perfect place to pick up a special holiday gift or add a touch of nature to their home. Whether you’re a flower lover or simply in need of some holiday cheer, the market offers something for everyone.
A Festive Attraction for the Whole Family
What makes Fleurs de Villes Noël so appealing is its ability to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the beauty of flowers. The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a local Montrealer or a visitor to the city, the exhibition offers a perfect way to take in the holiday season while celebrating the timeless beauty of nature.
“The experience has been incredible,” said Cynthia Grow, reflecting on her participation in the event. “It’s just been so much fun to see all the people passing by and watching them stop in awe of the flowers. There’s a sense of wonder that flowers bring to people. It’s truly magical.”
As the holiday season unfolds, Fleurs de Villes Noël serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of flowers to lift our spirits, bring people together, and create lasting memories. The floral masterpieces created by Montreal’s local florists are not only an artistic expression but also a heartfelt gift to the city, offering joy and warmth to everyone who experiences them.
Conclusion: The Final Days of a Floral Wonderland
Fleurs de Villes Noël will be on display at the Centre Eaton de Montréal until November 17, giving visitors just a few more days to enjoy this enchanting floral experience. Whether you’re looking to admire the artistry of the floral designs, vote for your favorite creation, or simply bask in the festive atmosphere, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone in Montreal this holiday season.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this breathtaking celebration of flowers—after all, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of the holidays than by experiencing the beauty and wonder of Fleurs de Villes Noël.
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