The Infiorata di Genzano, one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic flower festivals, will take place from June 21st to 23rd in Genzano di Roma, just 30 km (19 miles) south of Rome. Now in its 247th edition, this colorful celebration attracts thousands of visitors every year.
A Centuries-Old Flower Festival near Rome
The tradition of the Infiorata dates back to the 16th century, when during religious celebrations, streets were decorated with flower petals, soil, and wood cuttings. The Baroque genius Gian Lorenzo Bernini is often credited with turning this into an art form, inspired by the mosaics of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Bernini likely introduced the tradition to Genzano, a hill town in the Castelli Romani area, where it has become a beloved event drawing both locals and tourists.
What happens during the Infiorata di Genzano
Preparation for the Genzano flower festival begins weeks in advance. A team of art historians and botanists selects a theme, often religious or artistic, and skilled designers prepare large sketches of the floral scenes.
Locals then participate in the “spelluccamento” phase: the careful separation of petals, which are stored in municipal caves until the day of the event. Over 350,000 petals are used to create stunning floral carpets along the town’s main street.
A weekend of beauty and tradition
The Infiorata di Genzano is more than a flower display , it’s a cultural and spiritual event.
During the Infiorata festival, the town of Genzano transforms into a lively country fair (fiera di paese), complete with local food stands, artisan stalls, and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy regional delicacies, buy handcrafted goods, and participate in traditional activities that run late into the night.
This is a moment of authentic local life, shared and celebrated not only by the residents of Genzano but by people from across the Castelli Romani and visitors from all over the world who come to witness this deeply rooted and moving event.
On the final day, after a priest blesses the floral artworks, children joyfully run through the petals during the traditional “spallamento”, marking the joyful end of the festival.
