The Battle began as a flower parade, but along the route the flowers were torn off and thrown to the spectators. They threw them back, and the Battle was born.

The event was so successful that the islanders decided to hold it annually. During World War I the Battle ended, but it was revived in 1926.

After the war

Its popularity had declined, although a smaller event continued to take place until World War II.

The Optimists float

After the war, local businessmen thought that the Battle could help tourism in the island. The Battle returned in 1951, and was a great success.

The following year, the Battle's Golden Jubilee coincided with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

It was decided that the Battle should be bigger and better, with 100 floats taking part - most of them motorised.

The Battle in the 60's and 70's

The Battle continued to grow in popularity during the 1960's, when it was attracting audiences of about 60,000.

Secret Garden

In 1964 it was decided that the Battle (in its literal sense) should be stopped, as it was getting too unruly.

A new finale was introduced - Petals from Heaven - when paper petals were dropped from aeroplanes. This wasn't always successful though because of wind conditions!

The Battle today

Nowadays the Battle of Flowers is still a popular event, regularly attracting 30,000 people each year. It takes place on the 2nd Thursday of August, with a moonlight parade the next evening.

The Battle celebrated its centenary in 2002, with many floats taking the 100 year birthday as the theme for their design.

Find out about the 2003 celebrations.

Battle nostalgia

Take a look at our Battle Nostalgia Gallery, featuring pictures of Battles from times past. Do you have pictures of previous Battles? We would love to include them in our Battle Nostalgia Gallery. Click here to go to the gallery.