YANGON, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar kicked off a flower festival on Saturday in Pyin Oo Lwin of central Myanmar's Mandalay region, state-run daily The Mirror reported on Sunday.
The floral fantasia event, the 17th edition this year, also marks the 100th anniversary of the National Kandawgyi Gardens, the report said.
Mandalay region's Economic Minister U Thein Htay attended the festival's opening event and delivered a speech, the report said.
The opening event featured entertainment programs, including music shows, dance performances, painting, and poetry competitions, all marking the garden's centenary.
More than 200,000 flowers, both local and international, are showcased at the event. The flower festival will run until Jan. 12 next year, according to the organizer.
Established in 1924, the National Kandawgyi Gardens spans approximately 437 acres. ■
