During the months of May and June, many Italian towns will host a flower festival; these are the most vibrant events of the year and can be traced back to the 13th century. To this day, the format of the infiorata festival remains similar to how it has been practiced since the 17th century. The first carpet of flowers was laid in the Vatican in 1625 to celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome. The custom soon spread further, becoming linked to the Christian tradition of Corpus Domini, the celebration of the Real Presence of Christ during the Eucharist.
One of the most distinguished examples of the flower festivals takes place every year in the third weekend of May in Noto, Sicily. During the festival the Via Nicolaci – the prominent road through Noto – is packed with artists paving patterns with the petals and seeds of numerous flowers grown especially for the occasion. The path leads to further festivities including parades of dancers and musicians. Starting work on Friday, the display can be enjoyed over the weekend before Monday brings the more original part of the tradition where children are let loose amongst the flowers as a symbol of both destruction and regeneration. The festival is an appreciative gesture towards Noto’s artistic past and the arrival of spring, but also a fun way of showcasing the creative talent of both local and foreign artists.
FLOWER FESTIVAL
To this day, the format of the infiorata festival remains similar to how it has been practiced since the 17th century.
CULTURA E SOCIETA
Photography: Pietro - Flickr.com
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