With its particularly mild climate, the area surrounding Lake Maggiore has been nicknamed the "Garden of Europe" for the wealth, variety and beauty of its flowers and vegetation, many being exotic imports which have become completely familiar elements in the local landscape. Other big tourist attractions are the international events hosted by the territory: the Lake Maggiore Jazz Festival, Stresa's "Musical Weeks", Pallanza's Flower Parade, and the Remiero Palio and the Palio Nautico dei Rioni races, to name just a few.