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People have celebrated festivals from the earliest times in history, and many countries love to celebrate nature. Many countries around the world hold flower festivals. Most s of these festivals celebrate the flower that & represents either the whole country or a particular region. In each country, there are parties, entertainments, family get-togethers and a commemoration of traditions and 10 culture. المقاطعة

In Henan Province in China, people celebrate the Luoyang Peony Festival from 15th to 25th April every year. The peony symbolises wealth and nobility in China, but the colourful flower 15 also has a legend attached! It is said that Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty banished the peony from her city to the city of Luoyang, where it has bloomed abundantly every year since. Certainly, if you go to Luoyang at this 20 time of year, you will see millions of peony cif plants in Luoyang Peony Gardens. You can also take part in celebrations such as dance competitions and cultural fairs, as well as watch music and drama spectacles.

25 Jordan's national flower is the beautiful black 3) iris, a rare flowering plant that is remarkable because it grows among rocks. It is admired for its unique beauty and strength. It is found mainly in the district of Ajloun, north of

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30 Jordan, during February and March. Every year, Jordanians honour their national flower by putting on a day of festivities. There are classic car displays, local craft stalls, dance displays. comedians and entertainment designed 35 for children too. All the money that is raised during the Black Iris Festival is donated to local charities.

In the 17th century, tulips were imported from the Middle East to the Netherlands. They are 40 one of the most popular ways to 'say it with flowers, or to send messages of congratulations to loved ones. The Tulip Festival takes place every spring in the North East of Holland, an area that is famous for its colourful tulip fields.

45 People come from all over the world to go on tulip tours, travelling by bike or by bus. A popular activity is watching people dance in traditional wooden shoes that are called clogs. They can also see photographic exhibitions, 50 eat traditional food and, above all, visit the magnificent tulip gardens.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about festivals

is how many there are around the world. You can be sure that someone, somewhere, is 55 planning a festival right now, and wherever you live, you will find that there is soon going to be one near you!