From March 26 to 29, the city of Dresden hosted the 24th World Orchid Conference, where Estepona’s Orchid Park received the prestigious second prize. Organized by the German Orchid Society, this global event takes place every three years and had not been held in Europe for over two decades. Another highlight for Estepona was the city’s inclusion in the exclusive Journey to the Orchid Hotspots of Andalusia, one of only four elite routes, scheduled for March 30 to April 6, 2026. Estepona’s Orchidarium, led by technical director Manuel Lucas, played a key role in the event, with support from Anatoli Minzatu and Sergiy Onyshchuk. Maria José Muñoz, a generous donor to the Orchidarium, also showcased her own specimens. The conference attracted 500 international delegates and is expected to draw over 50,000 visitors to the exhibition. The program featured expert lectures on orchid cultivation, conservation, history, and hybridization, as well as a bustling sales area with exhibitors from five continents. The Botanical Art exhibition, featuring over 50 original works by international artists, added a creative touch to the event. Festivities included the ‘Night of the Orchids’ with music and a romantic ambiance, leading up to the gala dinner on Saturday where championship prizes will be presented.