IFC Receives Dahlia festival Award

On Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, Highlands became the backdrop for beautiful vignettes of dahlias and native plants. During the 11th annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival, hosted by the Highlands Historical Society, members of the public were encouraged to vote for their favorite display. There were 27 displays, and the International Friendship Center’s entry, "From the Mountains of Mexico to Main Street", was selected as Second Runner Up. Our entry was designed by board member Joyce Fleming and was displayed at Town Square on Main Street.

About our entry:

"From the Mountains of Mexico to Main Street"

Dahlias originated in Mexico long ago. Dahlia tubers grew wild in the mountains there, and were grown as a food crop by the Aztecs. They considered the dahlia bloom to be a religious symbol, and used them in different types of ceremonies.

This gorgeous flower became popular in Europe following the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 15th century. Like chocolate, tomatoes, corn, and other plants and foods native to “New Spain,” the dahlia had been previously unknown to the rest of the world.

The dahlia was declared the national flower of Mexico in 1963. Dahlias have a rich symbolism: the flower stands for wealth and elegance, and also for love and involvement.