Gladiola Festival Delray Beach Returns to Its Roots

With the 63rd Delray Affair approaching on April 4–6, 2025, the Delray Beach Historical Society is reviving a cherished tradition—the Gladiola Festival Delray Beach. This colorful event celebrates the city's agricultural heritage and honors the original Gladiola Festival that once brought the community together.

A Weekend of Flowers, Fun, and History

From Friday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, the Historical Society's downtown campus at 3 NE 1st Street will be full of activity. Located just one block north of Atlantic Avenue, the site will offer something for everyone.

Visitors can purchase Gladiola flowers by the bunch, tour the gardens, explore the historic cottages, and enjoy local music and games. The outdoor exhibit will showcase vintage photos and memorabilia from the original festivals. Inside, all three historic cottages will feature local and rotating exhibits. A gift shop with books and art will also be open.

"We're excited to bring back these nostalgic and beautiful flowers for the community again," said Mike Cruz, president of the Historical Society.

Proceeds from the flower sales will support educational programs and the upkeep of the one-acre heritage garden.

Why the Gladiola Festival Delray Beach Matters

Before the Delray Affair became the city's signature event, the Gladiola Festival dominated Atlantic Avenue. From 1947 to 1953, it was the most anticipated festival in Palm Beach County. Featuring flower-covered floats, celebrity guests, parades, farm animals, and boat races, the Gladiola Festival helped define postwar Delray Beach.

According to a 1948 Delray News article, the goal of the festival was to "develop and further the agricultural, horticultural, and other resources of South Florida." You can read more about that history here.

Delray's Gladiola Glory Days

Gladiolus farming began in Delray Beach in 1939. By the early 1950s, the city had become the nation's leading producer. More than 13 nurseries operated between Boynton and Delray Beach, cultivating over 1,600 acres and producing millions of Gladiola stems each year.

Varieties like the salmon-colored Picardy and the soft pink Rose Van Lima were shipped nationwide. The industry generated over $1 million in revenue annually and supported hundreds of workers.

From Farming to Festivals

As farming declined and tourism grew, local leaders decided to rebrand the community's major celebration. In 1962, the Delray Affair was born. By scheduling the event later in the spring, organizers hoped to extend the tourist season and keep visitors in town longer.

Though the focus of the celebration shifted, the legacy of the Gladiola Festival remains an important part of Delray's history. This spring, that legacy comes back to life.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, the Gladiola Festival Delray Beach is a chance to step into the past and celebrate the community's roots. Enjoy flowers, history, music, games, and the charm of one of Delray's most beloved traditions.

To learn more, visit delraybeachhistory.org or stop by the Historical Society at 3 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444.