by Paula Boyd Farrington
Driving around Grand Bahama Island this time of year is an especially wonderful feast for the eyes. Bright red pops of colour seem everywhere, with the annual blooming of the scarlet-red Royal Poinciana (Delonix Regia) trees, known locally as the “Flamboyant Flame Trees”. Their fire-red blossoms are exquisite—and especially impressive when adorning the very tall and wide mushroom-shaped canopies of the most mature trees.
The Royal Poinciana Annual Red Dress Ball is a natural spectacle that Grand Bahama residents and visitors are privileged to enjoy as they go about their days in May & June. Artists capture their glory on canvas. Photographers fill frame after frame with their beauty. Wordsmiths write poetically about their grace. And everyone smiles just a bit brighter as they glimpse this royal Queen of Trees in full seasonal dazzle. All hail tropical splendor!
