Every year from late September to November the city of Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa turns purple as a result of the Jacaranda trees. History of the Jacaranda trees in South Africa dates back to 1888 when the first two trees were planted in Celliers Street Pretoria by JD Celliers.
The seedlings were imported from Brazil and although native to Central and South America they have today become part of South Africa. Today, Pretoria is home to over 70,000 jacaranda trees and it is referred to us the jacaranda city. The jacaranda flowers in South Africa are believed to have magic around them. University students in this great city believe that if a jacaranda flower falls on your head during exam time that’s an assurity that you’ll pass all your subjects. Others believe that if you haven’t begun revising for the exam before the city turns purple it’s too late to begin.
The Jacaranda Festival
This event is held every year in October when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom. It’s marked with concerts, entertainment, flea markets and a rainbow of colors with the footstalls. Visitors from all over the world attend it.
Best places to view the Jacaranda trees in South Africa
If you are planning on visiting South Africa and would wish to experience the jacaranda bloom, ensure to plan your trip towards the end of September to early November. While here, take a walk around the streets of Melrose, Kensington, Rosebank, Houghton, Emmarentia Park, Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff, and Pretoria.
