Experience the Beauty of Infiorata in Italy

Many Italian towns host an infiorata, or flower art festival, during May and June. Multi-colored flower petals are transformed into stunning works of art on the streets or in abbeys, offering a breathtaking sight. In some locations, the infiorata may consist of a simple flower-petal design in front of the church. However, more elaborate infiorate involve the creation of various tapestries, each depicting a different picture but often centered around a thematic concept.

To execute this intricate art form, the design is first sketched in chalk on the pavement. Soil outlines the design, which is then filled with thousands of petals and seeds, reminiscent of the crafting of mosaics or tapestries but utilizing diverse materials. Ingredients such as coffee grounds, beans, wood chips, and grass are typically involved, showcasing a remarkable level of detail. The entire creation process takes two to three days to finalize. After completion, a religious procession often takes place on the magnificent flower carpets. The ephemeral character of the infiorata—with the finished artworks usually lasting only a few hours—adds to their rarity and special appeal.

Where to See an Infiorata

One of the most renowned infiorata festivals occurs in Noto, Sicily, typically celebrated during the weekend of the third Sunday in May. This beautiful Baroque town is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in southeast Sicily.

On mainland Italy, the date for the infiorata generally aligns with the Sunday of Corpus Domini (Corpus Christi), which is observed nine weeks after Easter. Nevertheless, the actual date of Corpus Domini is the Thursday occurring 60 days post-Easter, leading to smaller flower petal carpets outside churches during that period as well. Here are some of the leading locations for infiorate displays in Italy:

• Bolsena, located north of Rome, showcases carpets along about 3km of pavement with exquisite flower tapestries for the Corpus Domini Sunday procession.
• Brugnato, a quaint town in the La Spezia province of Liguria, holds an infiorata on the Sunday of Corpus Domini. Early morning work is dedicated to creating flower tapestries throughout the town center, enabling visitors to admire the flower art in the afternoon, culminating in a 6 PM procession from the cathedral over the carpets.
• Genzano di Roma, situated south of Rome, has maintained the tradition of the infiorata since 1778.
• Orvieto, in the central Italian region of Umbria, hosts a vibrant Corpus Domini procession featuring over 400 participants, with streets adorned in floral art.
• Spello, also within Umbria, is another highly celebrated location for infiorata.
• The Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba, located near Fidenza in the Emilia-Romagna region, is one of several abbeys that create indoor flower tapestries for Corpus Domini.

Corpus Domini and Infiorata Dates: In 2019, the Sunday of Corpus Domini is June 20, while in 2020 it falls on June 21. Anticipate seeing infiorata or flower petal displays in front of numerous Italian churches on both the Sunday of Corpus Domini and the Thursday preceding it.