The Infiorate of Spello is one of the most fascinating and colorful events in Umbria, transforming the picturesque village into a true floral carpet. This event, which takes place annually on the occasion of Corpus Domini, attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, eager to admire the extraordinary creations made with fresh and dried flower petals.
The origins of the Infiorate of Spello date back to the 1930s. The tradition began with simple floral designs along the streets, but over time it evolved into elaborate artistic compositions. The event is deeply rooted in religious devotion and local culture, celebrating Corpus Domini, one of the main feasts of the Catholic liturgical calendar.
In the 1960s, the creation of an official competition encouraged competition among the groups of infioratori, improving the quality and complexity of the works. Today, the infiorate are true works of art that represent religious scenes, social themes, and spiritual symbols, created with extraordinary technical precision.
Preparation for the infiorate begins months before the event. The infioratori collect and prepare the flowers, often drying them in the sun to obtain different shades of color. The night before Corpus Domini, known as the "Night of Flowers," hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly to create the carpets and floral paintings that will decorate the village streets.
Each infiorata must respect precise dimensions: at least 12 meters in length for the carpets and 24 square meters for the paintings. The compositions are made using fresh and dried flower petals, leaves, and berries, without the use of synthetic materials or glue. The technique involves drawing on the ground with chalk or on paper, then fixed to the ground.
The Infiorate of Spello is not only a celebration of beauty and art but also represents a deep act of faith and devotion. Each work is a tribute to Christ and the Eucharist, transforming the streets into a sacred path on which the religious procession of Corpus Domini takes place. This tradition is an exaltation of ephemeral beauty, a hymn to life and spirituality.
A unique experience offered by the Infiorate of Spello is the possibility of becoming an infioratore for a day. Visitors can join local artist groups and actively participate in the creation of floral works. This opportunity allows them to experience up close the magic and dedication necessary to create magnificent flower carpets, directly contributing to a centuries-old tradition.
Logistics and Parking
To visit the Infiorate of Spello, it is important to carefully plan logistics, given the influx of visitors and traffic restrictions in the historic center. Here is some useful information:
Parking Reservations: You can book parking in advance through the official Infiorate of Spello website or on Clappit (see links at the bottom). The reservation guarantees a parking spot near the historic center and access to the event even if the maximum number of visitors is exceeded.
Available Parking: The main parking lots are located in Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Matteotti, and the Sant'Anna area. These parking lots are paid and easily accessible on foot from the historic center.
During the event, there are restrictions on the items that can be brought into the event area. It is forbidden to bring large backpacks, umbrellas, animals, and potentially dangerous objects.
Event Program
The event begins on Saturday evening with the "Night of Flowers," during which the infioratori start composing their works. On Sunday morning, the floral carpets are completed and judged by a jury. The day culminates with the solemn Corpus Domini procession through the flower-decorated streets of the village.
We suggest experiencing this event at night or very early in the morning to avoid the crowd and enjoy the magic of the preparation by watching hundreds of infioratori (of all ages!) working together with passion and mastery.
Those staying in and coming from Collepino are fortunate, as approaching from just above Spello helps avoid the confusion and makes it much easier to find parking.
For more details and to book parking, visit the official Infiorate di Spello website and the Visit Spello website.
https://www.infioratespello.it/
https://www.visitspello.it/