From late spring to early summer, local communities across Italy gather for the annual “Infiorata”, a beloved flower festival held in Italy. Coinciding with the Corpus Christi celebrations – a religious feast that occurs in the late spring – these intricate floral displays completely transform the streets of Italy’s small towns into a riot of colour and celebration.
This cherished tradition harks back to the Middle Ages, when annual religious processions were honoured with intricate floral artwork. In parts of Tuscany and Umbria, entire sidewalks are carpeted in a vibrant tapestry of flower petals, depicting religious scenes and motifs. It is, in many ways, the marker of high spring and summer’s arrival. On every street corner, through cobblestoned passageways, you can expect to stumble upon floral masterpieces.
To elevate your stay, we have a range of handpicked villas within proximity to the festivals in Tuscany and Umbria. Each villa rental has been carefully selected for its stunning setting, allowing you to experience the tradition at a relaxed pace. Read on to discover our favourite towns in Tuscany and Umbria to visit during the Infiorata.
1. Spello, Umbria
Spello in Umbria is one of the best spots to enjoy the Infiorata in Italy for its meticulous floral displays. By night, the town is magically transformed into a fragrant and colourful alfresco art gallery, with some 2,000 local volunteers working through the early hours to complete the tapestries before dawn. The sheer scale of the floral carpets is a sight to behold, each display crafted with impeccable precision.
Good to know: Be sure to arrive early on Sunday morning to see the carpets at their freshest. You can also expect road closures and limited parking in the historic centre. Speak to our complimentary concierge once you’ve booked your villa getaway for more local insights and insider tips.
2. Cannara, Umbria
Every Italian town involved in the Infiorata offers something different, and Cannara in Umbria is no exception. Here, you’ll find unique displays that incorporate natural materials in creative ways, using seeds and coffee grounds. These nuances showcase the town’s unique personality, crafted by local volunteers through the night. The result is a spectacular floral display and floral carpets that are rich in texture and stories.
Good to know: The Infiorata of Cannara usually takes place in June to coincide with the Feast of Corpus Domini. Crowds are heaviest late morning through early afternoon, so we recommend arriving early.
3. Montefalco, Umbria
Affectionately referred to as the “Balcony of Umbria” for its panoramic views, Montefalco in Umbria brings its own distinct personality and flair to Italy’s annual flower festival. While some towns stick to tradition, Montefalco’s floral displays combine modern and traditional themes. By embracing contemporary techniques, Montefalco showcases the creativity of the local communities in new and unexpected ways.
Extending your trip? Beyond the festival, Umbria’s small towns are stuffed with treasures. For many more ideas in Umbria, see our Orvieto guide, San Gemini guide and Todi guide.
Good to know: Montefalco’s annual Infiorata usually takes place around Corpus Domini in late May or early June. The beautiful town centre is compact and best explored on foot.
4. Fucecchio, Tuscany
It wasn’t until the 1990s that the Infiorata officially came to Fucecchio. Ever since, this small town in Tuscany – 30 miles west of Florence – has hosted its own flower festival with open arms. From the end of May to early June, you can expect striking flower carpets that depict a cherry tree in bloom or an intricate peacock entirely crafted from natural materials.
Good to know: The town is well connected by train from Florence and Pisa, making it an easy day trip. Speak to our complimentary concierge to organise train tickets or private transfers to and from your Tuscan villa to the festival.
5. Pienza, Tuscany
Welcoming the arrival of summer, the Renaissance town of Pienza in the Val d'Orcia hosts its Infiorata in an enchanting village setting. Pienza’s photogenic streets are carpeted in swathes of colourful petals, arranged into intricate displays everywhere you look. Held over two weekends, the festival also coincides with a splendid flower market.
Good to know: Events and street displays can mainly be found within Pienza’s historic centre, which is compact and easily explored on foot.
On another note, Pienza is also home to another major festival, celebrating its famous cheese, Pecorino di Pienza. Read our guide to Pienza for more ideas.
6. Farnetella, Tuscany
Combining literature, art, music and gastronomy, Farnetella’s Infiorata is perfect for culture buffs. Situated in the rolling Sienese countryside, between the Val di Chiana and the Crete Senesi, this small Tuscan village hosts a superb afternoon of concerts and floral displays. Spend the day floating between flower installations and a calendar of events.
The Infiorata in Farnetella typically takes place in late spring, but dates and times can vary from year to year. Our on-the-ground concierge can help with arrangements and special requests, ensuring you catch the floral displays, concerts and processions at their best.
Good to know: The event includes a religious procession of Corpus Christi, offering a more intimate and authentic Infiorata experience than some of the larger towns.
7. Scarperia, Tuscany
On the last Sunday of May, the small Tuscan town of Scarperia transforms for its annual Infiorata. From 10:00am to 10:00pm, locals and visitors alike gather to marvel at Scarperia’s intricate floral displays. Designs often depict religious symbols and themes inspired by local history, sparking interesting conversations on every street corner.
Good to know: Scarperia is small, walkable, and wonderfully vivid during the Infiorata. Arrive early for quiet streets and pristine floral carpets, then linger for lunch in a local family-run restaurant.
Contact our Villa Specialists
The Infiorata offers the perfect excuse to visit Tuscany and Umbria. Experience the magic of flower-carpeted streets, centuries-old traditions and hyper-local traditions – all from the comfort of a carefully chosen villa.
All of our handpicked villas in Tuscany and Umbria come with a dedicated, complimentary Concierge team from the moment you book. Speak to our Villa Specialists who have visited each villa and know the local region intimately for tailored advice and assistance with bookings or enquiries.