Flowering in
Nalda
Spring is dressed in colours with the blossoming of the plum tree, the fields of Nalda are covered by a blanket of flowers that oscillate in different shades of red, pink and white.
Colours of La Rioja
An explosion of colour in La Rioja
During the month of April in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, spring is dressed in colours with the blossoming of the plum tree, the fields of Nalda are covered by a blanket of flowers that oscillate in different shades of red, pink and white.
The petals of the plum blossom are smooth and rounded, and can surprise us with their beautiful array of colours, as they come in white, white with pink flecks, pale pink, fuchsia and even reddish. A small bunch of antennae grows from the centre, which gives this beautiful flower a special uniqueness.
In addition to delighting in this spectacle of color, the plum tree has a more pronounced aroma than other fruit trees, so, apart from enjoying a display of colors, you will be completely immersed, through your senses, in the flowering of this beautiful tree.
The plum tree is a deciduous tree that, depending on its variety, needs more or less hours of cold for its flowering, with cold hours being understood as the time spent exposed to temperatures between one and six degrees Celsius.
Plum Blossom Day
In the most significant month of spring, April, in the town of Iregua, the Plum Blossom Festival is celebrated, where events are organized showcasing some development projects in rural areas.
In the flower-filled valley of this Riojan town, numerous activities are held, among which you will find exhibitions on plum trees or the sale of plants and flowers in the Plaza de la Tela in Nalda, where most of the commercial events are organised.
Plum Blossom Day is celebrated in honor of Claudia Verde. Attendees, in addition to participating in various workshops, will be able to taste typical dishes, such as grilled roast, shepherd's crumbs or doughnuts, along with other artisanal desserts.
Likewise, there is a guided tour to the Mirador del Castillo de Nalda, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Iregua Valley, and you can also visit the Hermitage of the Virgen de Villavieja and the ruins of the Convent of San Antonio.
There is also a guided tour for those who want to enjoy the wonderful plum blossom first-hand through the Iregua Valley. These tours will depart from the square at midday.
The meaning of plum blossom in other cultures
In Japanese culture, not only the cherry tree is famous, but the plum tree is also a tree that represents a strong symbolism. According to the ancient lunisolar calendar, now no longer in use, the plum blossom represents the beauty that anticipates spring, which coincides with its flowering.
The plum blossom represents a strong amulet or talisman that attracts good luck and health, since this flower is surrounded by various superstitions for Japanese culture.
According to Chinese culture, the beautiful flower of this deciduous tree represents the strength needed to face misfortune and adversity, as they are able to bloom when the severity of the snow can still be noticeable.
Diversity in plum blossom
Depending on the variety of plum tree, it has the ability to bloom at different times of the year, since this will depend on the variety of plum tree. The main ones are:
- Reina Claudia Verde: This variety of plum tree grows mainly in the Mediterranean area, and is the one that can be seen in La Rioja. This range is filled with white flowers speckled with reddish touches, and its flowering usually occurs at the end of March and beginning of June. The fruit is harvested between August and September, except in the warmer areas where it is harvested between the months of July and August.
- Golden Japan: This variety grows in the southernmost areas of the country. Its flowers have white petals and are medium-sized. It grows in these southern regions because it matures at high temperatures. Flowering occurs in April and the fruit is harvested in June.
- Santa Rosa: This variety of plum tree begins to bloom at the beginning of May and is native to the American continent. The flowers that this tree displays are not only more showy than the Claudia Verde or the Golden Japan, but are also among the most aromatic. The fruit is harvested in July.
Differences can also be observed in their fruits, although both varieties provide very juicy fruits, the Japanese plum offers a more tasty fruit than the fruit presented by the European plum, which provides plums that contain less water, which makes them ideal for later drying, these are usually greenish or yellow coming from the Claudia Verde variety.
English 
Spanish 
German