INFIORATA-ITALIAN FLOWER FESTIVALS

An Insider’s Look at the Flower Festivals known as “Infiorata”

Spring ushers in an array of celebrations and the Infiorata festivals tend to lead the way when it comes to artistry and colour. Throughout select cities and towns, artists and locals alike descend upon the streets to create works of art out of flower petals, hence the name Infiorata, meaning decorated with flowers.

These events are a true celebration of Italian artistry and ingenuity, as participants work through the night to create intricate floral carpets that are nothing short of breathtaking. But these festivals are more than just flower arrangements; they are rooted in history and tradition and reflect the values and customs of Italian society. In this post, I’ll delve into the origins of the Infiorata festivals, explore the process of creating a stunning floral carpet, and take a closer look at the themes and traditions that make these events so special. I’ll also provide insight into the music, markets, and other festivities that are a part of these celebrations, giving you a glimpse into the charm and magic of Italy.

Origins of Italy’s Infiorata festivals

The Infiorata festivals have a rich history that dates back hundreds of years. The first documented floral carpet was created in the city of Genzano in the 17th century to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. Over time, the tradition spread to other regions of Italy, each with their own unique take on the festival.

Some historians believe that the origins of the Infiorata can be traced back even further, to ancient Roman times, where flowers were used to celebrate the arrival of spring. Others suggest that the tradition has roots in Christian customs, where flowers were used to decorate altars and other religious icons. Regardless of its origins, the Infiorata is a testament to the creativity of the Italian people.

In some regions, the festival has even evolved to include other forms of art such as theatre, music, dance and creative floral-themed menus. It is a true celebration of Italian culture and tradition and a time for communities to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.

Most of the festivals take place around the religious Corpus Domini feast, which is the ninth Sunday after Easter and usually in mid-June. Many towns and cities across the country hold Infiorata events, but for the most impressive displays, you can look to Spello & Città della Pieve-Umbria, Genzano-Rome, and Noto-Sicily.

How to create a stunning floral carpet

The process of creating these carpets is a labor of love and requires meticulous planning and precision. Designers first sketch their designs on paper, taking into consideration the available space and the theme of the festival. Once the design has been finalized, it is then transferred directly onto the street using chalk or onto a large piece of card adhered to the ground.

The next step is to arrange the petals and flowers carefully to create the desired pattern. This is where the designer’s eye for detail comes into play. Flowers are usually gathered and dried months in advance and then each is carefully chosen for its colour and texture, and the petals are arranged in a way that complements the overall design. The end result is a stunning work of art that is made entirely of natural materials.

To ensure that the carpet lasts for the duration of the festival, it is important to use a combination of fresh and dried flowers and greenery and once an area of the design is finished, it is sprayed with a water and sugar solution to lock it in place. This means that the creation process must be completed within a short period of time, usually the day and night before the festival begins. Despite the labor-intensive nature of the process, it is a labor of love that the towns folk enjoy as a community.

Themes and traditions of Infiorata festivals

The Infiorata’s are often held in conjunction with religious holidays, such as Corpus Christi or the feast of Saint Peter and Paul. The carpets themselves often depict religious scenes or figures, paying tribute to the surrounding churches and cathedrals.

Another common theme of Infiorata festivals is nature. The use of fresh flowers and greenery pays homage to the beauty of the earth and the changing of the seasons and the use of dried flowers, seeds and leaves are represents nature awaiting the spring to bloom again . Additionally, many of the carpets feature intricate floral designs or themes relevant to the town, but no matter the design, they all showcase the creativity and talent of the artists who create them.

One unique tradition of some Infiorata festivals is the involvement of children. In some towns, children are invited to create their own small-scale flower carpets, which are then displayed alongside the larger ones. This not only adds to the sense of community but also allows for the passing down of traditions to future generations.

Musical performances, markets, and other festivities

Along with the stunning carpets, there are plenty of other festivities to enjoy during Italy’s Infiorata festivals. Musical performances are a common sight, with local groups and artists taking to the streets to entertain the crowds. From traditional folk music to more contemporary tunes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to the music, many also feature markets selling a variety of local goods, plants and flowers. From handmade crafts to delicious food and wine, these markets are an opportunity to experience and support the local community. You can even find flower-themed souvenirs to take home as a memento of your time at the festival.

Festivals can also include parades, religious processions, and restaurants offering flower-themed menus, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere. The streets are alive with excitement and energy as locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the beauty of nature and the power of community.

With all of these festivities to enjoy, it’s no wonder that these festivals have become such an important part of Italian culture. From the stunning flower carpets to the lively music and markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And here in my home-town of Città della Pieve, each year I am amazed by the lengths our townsfolk go to to create a simply sensational event.

Where to see the Infiorata

Città della Pieve, Umbria

Considered the pearl of western Umbria, in the province of Perugia. Amid rolling hills that separate the shores of picturesque Lake Trasimeno from the historic Roman Valdichiana, Città della Pieve stands out with its distinctive reddish-brick towers, walls and palaces. Every year, under the clear blue skies of early summer, the Terziere Casalino (one of the three districts of Città della Pieve) hosts the Infiorata di San Luigi Gonzaga—one of the most remarkable events in the region.

The last Sunday in June is when the town’s high street, Via Pietro Vannucci, is transformed overnight into a stunning floral carpet where petals, leaves, and seeds are intricately arranged according to a chosen theme. Unlike most Italian infiorate, which are tied to the Corpus Christi festivities, this one honors the patron saint of the terziere.

This colorful celebration, which began in 1966, features markets, music, Terziere flags, flower-themed restaurant menus, and other events. As a result, it is a wonderful opportunity for both visitors and residents to fully appreciate the beauty of a significant tradition.

Behind the Infiorata’s grandiose floral mosaic is a labor of love and dedication. Contractors of the Terziere Casalino carefully choose a theme, draw sketches, and acquire materials—especially flowers, such as carnation, rose, heather, and even straw—all before the big day.

The evening before the celebration is also magical as townsfolk of all ages work together through the night to create each floral masterpiece, as the street rings with music and laughter. Another amazing festival in Pieve is the Palio in August for more information check out my post THE PALIO DEI TERZIERI.

Spello, Umbria

Discover the secret soul of Spello, an Italian village tucked away in the Umbria region between Assisi and Foligno, with its Renaissance masterpieces, mosaics, and hidden treasures.

The renowned Infiorata turns the old-town into a kaleidoscope of colours. During the festival thousands of artists create beautiful flower carpets with petals collected from the Umbrian countryside months beforehand. Spello has hosted its Infiorata festival since 1930. It is truly a spectacle worth seeing.

Also don’t forget to explore the garden of Villa Fidelia, a 16th century villa home to an extravagant display of goddess Diana and stunning Italian gardens. And while you’re in town check out the Roman arches and structures, such as the Consular gate, Belvedere, and Venere Gate all provide a unique look into the past. Stroll through the 13th-century Church Santa Maria Maggiore, home to the Baglioni chapel with its frescos from famous Italian artist Pinturicchio. Spend some time in Piazza della Repubblica, the town center, and explore the local shops and treat yourself to a delicious meal.

Paciano, Umbria

Paciano, a picturesque Italian village, is nestled atop Mount Petrarvella at 391 meters above sea level and considered one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy. Residents, numbering fewer than 1000, share a strong sense of community that they demonstrate by protecting and promoting the village’s stunning olive landscape. This is a remarkably human-made environment, complete with the memories, art, and peculiar features that come with centuries of existence. Kieran Mulvaney, a renowned author and environmentalist, aptly wrote of Paciano in the Washington Post: “it looks exactly like how a Hollywood set designer would depict a medieval village.”

The sun-soaked streets of Paciano come alive each Corpus Christi Sunday with the Infiorata celebration! Visitors have the chance to witness the captivating and ephemeral art form of floral carpets, which are crafted into religious, traditional, and artistic designs. The colourful floral displays are paired with lively music and street food.

Genzano, Lazio

In the village of Genzano, located in the hills outside of Rome. Dating back to 1778, Genzano’s Infiorata is one the oldest in the country. Held every June on the Sunday of Corpus Domini. Genzano’s Infiorata brings in the colour with 15 flower panels composed of around 500,000 flowers, blooms and seeds. Once the works have been assembled and viewed, the town turns up the volume with a procession down the centre of the carpet of flowers. Here children are encouraged to rundown from the Church of Santa Maria and undo the panels. While you might cringe when these works of art are pillaged by children, it is all a part of Italy’s Infiorate.

Noto, Sicily

For forty-five years now,  Noto , a famous baroque city located in the province of Syracuse , has been celebrating Corpus Domini with a floral display. The event takes place every year on the third weekend of the month of May. The carpet of flowers, approximately 122 meters long and 7 meters wide, measuring approximately 700 m2, requires the use of approximately 400,000 flowers, including carnations and gerberas, daisies, tufts of fennel and euphorbia, valerian, artemisia, myrtle, and olive branches.

Whether you’re a traveler looking to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience or an avid gardener/artist visiting to admire the artistry, these breathtaking Italian flower festivals are not to be missed! As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The earth laughs in flowers.”. To make the most of the Infiorata weekend here in Città della Pieve, why not book a stay at one of the towns many wonderful Hotels, Agriturismo’s, or BnB’s, which includes our very own GROVE COTTAGE.