The budding plains of Veria in central Macedonia burst into shades of pink from pale hues to the most vibrant of fuchsias each spring as more than 150 varieties of peach trees begin to blossom. First come the Sartzetarias, followed by Early May Crests, Spring Bells, Big Bangs, Big Tops and Royal Glory blanketing 4,300 hectares of land.

A soft breeze rustles through causing pink confetti to softly rain on the blushing blanket. And though you may feel like you’re strolling through the world-famous cherry blossoms of Japan, the comparable landscape of the plains of Imathia are one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

They blossom in March and bloom for two weeks after.

Veria’s Tourism Club, an active network of volunteers that organise a series of activities during peach blossoming season, is trying to get the word out to the world about the region’s beautiful landscape with a series of activities such as bicycle rides, photo competitions and more.

The photo competition runs through to 29 April, giving people the opportunity to capture the beauty of the pink plains of Veria.

“We were envious of the Japanese,” Zisis Patsikas, president of the Tourism Club of Veria, told Neos Kosmos.

“The inspiration was all about finding ways to depict this unique phenomenon and make people get involved, travel to the orchards, experience this beauty and shoot some amazing pictures to let the whole world know about Veria and the blossoming peach trees every March.”

In its third year, the photography competition is getting the word out.

The competition started in 2017 with around 200 entries. In 2018, there were 297 participants and more than 500 are expected by the time the competition ends on 29 April with the winner to be announced in June.

The reach of the photos is larger as they are shared through social media.

For more information about the festival visit veriapeach.gr