Traditions still upheld by festival after 68 years

The wait is almost over, the Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival returns next week in a long-standing celebration of spring and all things Central Otago.Since its beginnings in September 1957, the Blossom Festival has become a must-do on the calendar, attracting thousands of people from throughout the country — and further afield — to Central Otago. Yet at its core, community has always been at its heart.

Now in its 68th year, the Blossom Festival holds the title of New Zealand’s longest-running festival, and continues to uphold many of the original traditions from those early years.

The festivities start on Monday with the crowning of the Blossom Festival Senior Queen, a celebration of senior women in our community and the contribution they make, followed by the festival’s official opening at the Central Otago Art Society Blossom Festival exhibition on Wednesday night.

These events, along with other activities across the town, lead into the highlight of the week: Blossom Festival Saturday.

Every year thousands line the street as the Grand Procession makes its way along Alexandra’s Centennial Ave, starting with the Booths Truck Parade, followed by colourful floats and their princes and princesses, florreys (a small float on a shopping trolley), pipe bands, community groups, and street entertainers.

The crowd then flows into Pioneer Park for the Party in the Park, full of market, craft, and food stalls, carnival rides, and a children’s entertainment stage. The main stage is packed with musical talent, making for an enjoyable afternoon in the sun. Check out what is on offer at the 2025 Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival this weekend.

Fulton Hogan Mardi Gras

The popular Mardi Gras marks the official start of the Blossom Festival weekend with an evening of entertainment and celebrations.

Held at Linger and Die, the Mardi Gras feature loads of entertainment including Luminous Fairies and light installations, as well as food vendors and the chance to meet the 2025 Alexandra Blossom Festival princesses and prince.

The popular Round the Clock Race is also taking place at Mardi Gras, and there will be loads of entertainment as young and old race up the hill and round the Alexandra clock.

At 6pm the Freestyle NZ FMX and freestyle MTB rider Levi Goodall are set to thrill with incredible tricks that defy gravity and will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

The evening finishes off with a fireworks display.

The Contact Grand Procession

The grand procession is a cornerstone of the Alexandra Blossom Festival. The parade starts at 11.45am with the Booths Truck Parade, as trucks of all shapes and sizes — all immaculately polished — make their way down Centennial Ave. What follows is a spectacular array of floats, florreys, pipe bands, and entertainment.

The floats are always a crowd favourite. Each float has its own Blossom Princess or Prince — a remarkable young person who is being celebrated for their love of the community.

The parade celebrates the diverse and unique nature of Central Otago and will feature Chinese dragon dancers, the Central Otago Filipino community and other community organisations and groups. The parade winds into Pioneer Park where people will be able to see the floats and florreys close up.

Delta Garden Tour

The Delta Garden Tour rounds off a week of festivities by giving garden lovers the opportunity to explore some of Central Otago’s hidden gems in full spring bloom. The tour’s self-driven nature allows people to take their time and really take everything in. A Devonshire tea is available to all ticket holders at one very special stop.

This year’s tour focuses on the Alexandra and Earnscleugh area. Tickets are $25 and available at Central Stories in Alexandra.