Le Infiorate di Spello, festival in Spello, Italy

Le Infiorate di Spello is a traditional flower festival held annually in the medieval town of Spello, located in the region of Umbria. The event takes place during the weekend of Corpus Domini, a Catholic religious feast celebrated in late May or June. In 2026 it was held on 6–7 June, and the next Infiorate are expected on 29–30 May 2027, with the finished carpets on view on Sunday morning, 30 May.

This unique festival is known for its intricate floral carpets (tappeti floreali) and pictures (quadri) that cover around 1,500 square metres of the streets of Spello’s historic center. Local residents spend months designing these compositions and gathering petals, which are then laid overnight using only natural materials from some 65 plant species: fresh petals, leaves and seeds. The artworks often depict religious scenes, geometric patterns, or artistic motifs, turning the town into a large open-air gallery.

What to See

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Infiorate is the nighttime preparation, when artists and volunteers work through the night to assemble the floral carpets. Visitors can walk through the streets and observe the creative process, making this a particularly special experience for those arriving on Saturday evening.

On Sunday, the finished carpets are presented in full detail, followed by the Corpus Domini procession, which passes over the artworks. The combination of art, religion, and community tradition creates a unique atmosphere that distinguishes this festival from others in Italy.

For tourists, the best time to visit is early Sunday morning, when the floral compositions are fresh and less crowded. Spello is a small town, so exploring on foot is easy, but accommodation in the area should be booked well in advance.