The Italian tradition so closely bound up with art

Umbria is a territory that has seen the birth of San Francesco and Santa Chiara d’Assisi, Santa Rita da Cascia, San Valentino, San Costanzo, San Lorenzo, Sant’Ercolano, so it is not surprising that you breathe in these mystical places such a special atmosphere in every corner at every season.

Spello is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and here, every year on Sunday of Corpus Christi is celebrated with the Infiorata of Spello, a tradition dating back to the seventeenth century. During this festival, the streets of the Umbrian town turn into a vibrant tapestry of flower petals arranged in intricate designs that cover the entire sidewalk.

The origins of the Infiorata of Spello date back to the religious processions that took place during the Middle Ages. As these processions passed through the streets, the locals spread flower petals in front of the religious statues, creating a colorful carpet on the ground. Over time, this practice has evolved into the elaborate designs we see today, which often depict religious scenes or symbols.

Preparing for the Infiorata di Spello requires months of planning and hard work. The inhabitants of the city begin by collecting flowers from the surrounding countryside, carefully selecting the colors and varieties that will be used in each design. Then, the evening before the festival, teams of volunteers work all night to create intricate patterns, using only natural materials such as flower petals, leaves and seeds.

On the day of the festival, visitors from all over Italy and not only come to Spello to watch the wonderful show. The designs are made along the path of the procession and the petals are trampled on releasing an intoxicating aroma in the air.

Although the festival is rooted in religious tradition, it has also become a celebration of community spirit and artistic expression, as the inhabitants of the city come together to create something beautiful and meaningful.

So if you are looking for an authentic Italian experience off the beaten path, consider adding the Infiorata di Spello to your itinerary. With its breathtaking floral designs, its centuries-old history and vibrant atmosphere, this festival will leave you with indelible visual and olfactory memories.