Narzissenfest

Narcissus is a genus of flowering bulbs belonging to the Amaryllis family. In English it is also known as Daffodil. Despite the fact that its bulb and leaves contain the alkaloid poison lycorine the plant is used in herbal medicine. Narcissus is the national flower of Wales.

Narzissenfest Narzissenfest

There are some festivals dedicated to this lovely plant. One of them is the Narzissenfest in Austrian town of Bad Aussee, Styria. It is a four day festival organized each May since 1959. The flower of this festival is a white one. On Thursday before the festival weekend the Narcissus Queen and two Princesses are chosen.

On Saturday there is a big parade with costumed participants and an oldtimer car ride. The most important part of the festival is held on Sunday. The Sunday parade includes huge figures made of flowers. Numerous marching bands accompany the parade. In the afternoon there is a boat parade on one of nearby lakes (Grundlsee, Altausseer See). The choice of lake changes each year. In 2014 the Narzissenfest is held from the 29th of May to 1st of June.