TheInfiorata of Spello, a village in the province of Perugia, is one of the most fragrant and colorful events in Italy.
For this very reason, the small Umbrian town we are talking about is called “the city of flowers.” Its fame is so widespread that it has attracted the curiosity of important reporters such as Steve McCurry, who in 2013 included photographs of some infiorate in his book titled “Sensational Umbria.”
Every year, on Corpus Christi, its center and streets fill with flowers and floral decorations. Each time, on this occasion, 1,500 meters of floral carpets and pictures are created, in a true celebration of colors and scents.
The Origins of the Infiorate of Spello
The tradition of the Infiorata comes from an event that happened in the early twentieth century: around 1930, a woman, struck by a flash of creativity, decorated the street with broom and fennel.
From that moment, all the town’s inhabitants decided to imitate her, turning the creation of floral works, which became increasingly spectacular, into a joyful competition.
The best infiorate win prizes, some monetary. The most important award is undoubtedly the “Properzio Prize,” a bronze statuette representing the Umbrian poet Sextus Propertius, given to the best group of Infioratori.
From Design to Flower Gathering
The stages of the Infiorata, from design to flower placement, last months and involve about two thousand people.
The Infioratori, true artists, work all year to ensure the event goes perfectly. Their meticulous effort begins with selecting and gathering flowers and herbs from Monte Subasio, which are then cleaned and preserved petal by petal.
During the gathering, the role of Spello’s elder women is fundamental; with the help of other citizens, they separate petals and chop herbs. The process respects nature: petals are not treated with chemicals nor are artificial dyes used.
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The Corpus Christi Celebrations
The Night of Flowers
On Saturday, the eve of Corpus Christi, Spello’s streets are closed to traffic, lit up, and protected to assist the Infioratori in their work.
During this phase, which lasts all night, you can admire them bent over, skillfully and masterfully arranging an immeasurable number of petals on the streets.
A single floral route can contain up to seventy infiorate. The carpets can extend up to fifteen meters, while the floral pictures range between 25 and 90 square meters..
The works of the Infiorata are true masterpieces of art with themes both religious and secular. Among the subjects depicted, you can find many references to Umbrian Renaissance painting, but modern art is also embraced.
The Corpus Christi Procession
On the morning of Corpus Christi Sunday, the work can be considered complete. Spello’s streets are entirely covered by a kaleidoscopic and fragrant floral carpet.
Poetry and wonder intertwine, accompanying the Corpus Christi procession that flows through the town’s streets, animated by visitors from all over the world.
And it is precisely at this moment that the enormous flower carpets can be “walked on.” Destroying them is part of the ritual. It is the magic of the Infiorata which, mingling with melancholy, reminds all present of the fleeting nature of small but precious things, like the delicate petals of the flowers that are the event’s protagonists.
The Infiorate of Spello and Tourists
Alongside the city’s Infiorata, Spello also hosts an event that actively involves visitors and curious onlookers who want to try their hand at this floral art. The “competition” among tourists takes place on a specially arranged street in the center, where even children can have fun creating floral works alongside some master and expert Infioratori.
The Infiorata, being a festival capable of attracting many curious visitors, is also accompanied by floriculture and craft exhibitions. Guided tours of the village are also available, such as the one to the Villa of Mosaics.
Visiting Spello Year-Round
Spello is on the list of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. For this reason, it is recommended to explore it thoroughly, strolling through its medieval streets and alleys.
Nestled on a hill, it is surrounded by medieval walls and is very understated, animated by charming artisan and food shops offering the chance to buy local products and foods.
The presence of flowers is not limited to the Infiorata period; it is a year-round attraction. At any time of year, the balconies and doorways of the village are decorated with colorful pots and floral decorations.
Spello at Easter and Halloween
Spello is also very charming during the Easter period. You can include this magnificent village in a broader itinerary that also includes other stops in Umbria. This small region is indeed rich in sacred places that appear even more fascinating during Holy Week.
A route suggested by Meeters towards Spello starts from Perugia and takes you to Bevagna and Assisi.
Spello is an intermediate stop. Among its attractions is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, whose Baglioni Chapel houses important works by Pinturicchio. The wonder effect is guaranteed.
Autumnis also an extremely favorable time to visit the town of Spello. Its medieval appearance becomes perfect for Halloween celebrations With its.
streets and squares walkable up and down on foot, especially in the evening, you can enjoy telling stories of witches and ghosts, in an evocative and timeless atmosphere. Walkable downhill and uphill on foot, especially in the evening, you can have fun telling stories of witches and ghosts, in an evocative and timeless atmosphere.