 Norfolk's International Azalea Festival
A Salute to NATO
Norfolk's ties to NATO date back to April 1952, three years after NATO
was established with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington,
D.C. It was this year the Allied Command Atlantic began operations with
headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk remains NATO's only military
command in North America.
In 1954 the City of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
hosted the first International Azalea Festival and the rich tradition of the
"Festival of Friendship" officially began.
Each year the festival selects one NATO Country as the Most Honored
Nation and a young woman from this country is crowned Queen Azalea. Her
court consists of representatives from other member NATO nations, with
attendant representatives from local schools and organizations. Their
coronation is held in the splendor of the Norfolk Botanical Garden, which is at
its peak in the spring.
Every April, High School bands from around the country join in the
celebration and are featured in the spectacular Azalea Festival Grande
Parade. Naval Air Station, Norfolk hosts a stunning Air Show featuring top
flying acts from around the world. A sampling of the culture of the Most
Honored Nation is featured all week in concerts, art exhibits, films, fashions
and cuisine.
Join the fun! Plan a visit to beautiful Norfolk, Virginia in the springtime and
enjoy the culture, the festivity and the pageantry of this one-of-a-kind
international festival.
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