This article is about the 2007 Aibonito Flower Festival. If you are looking for info about the 2009 Aibonito Flower Festival, please go read this other article.

The town of Aibonito, located in the center of Puerto Rico, is known for its horticultural industry. Every year, around the Fourth of July, the town of Aibonito comes to life with their annual Flower Festival. This is the largest event of its type on the island. People travel from all corners of the island to take in the sights and sounds of this enjoyable festival.

In 2007, the festival will be held from June 29 until July 8.

If you want to see (and possibly purchase) the latest introductions in tropical plants, this is one event you don’t want to miss. There’s a showing of small tropical landscapes designed for competition by various growers, landscape designers, and local clubs.

But the real reason most people go is for the plant sales. You can buy all kinds of tropical plants here – flowering plants, orchids, palms, fruit trees, vegetables, you-name-it.

Just keep in mind, if you’re in PR on vacation from the States, the USDA does conduct mandatory luggage inspection at the airport. So if you plan on buying plants to take back the the States, you might want to review the USDA Preflight Inspection Notice: For Travelers From Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. Mainland (PDF file) regarding what plants you are allowed to take home with you.

There is live music, food and some rides for the kids. Besides plants , there are all sorts of things for sale, including crafts, books, and games.

Whether you’re going for the shopping, or just for viewing, it makes for a very enjoyable day. The trip alone is worth the time. The ride up into the mountains of Aibonito is beautiful, and the vistas are fantastic.

Most of the music and “official” activities occur in the Festival Area, behind the Colliseo los Polluelos de Aibonito, but all along the roads leading to the park there will be small vendors set up selling everything from plants to perfume, flowers to food.

Entrance fee to the festival is around $5 per person. Parking is free

In 2007, the festival starts on June 29 and ends on July 8

Including driving time from San Juan, plan on spending most of a day.

From San Juan, take Route 52 South to exit 39 (it’s the second exit for the town of Cayey). Turn left onto Route 1, and then right onto Route 15. Take Route 15 through the center of Cayey where it meets up with Route 14. Turn left onto Route 14 (there’s an Esso gas on one corner and a Texaco on the the other — turn left "between" the 2 gas stations). Follow Route 14 into Aibonito. You’ll eventually pass Plaza Las Flores (a small shopping center) on your left. After that, keep your eyes open for Route 722 on your left. Turn left onto 722. The festival is on 722, about ½ mile on your left at KM 6.7.

The drive from San Juan will take about 2 hours