During Corpus Christi, Assisi is painted with the colours of the famous Infiorate: sensational floral images are created on a religious theme. All the inhabitants take part in decorating the streets with petals and flowers.
The “Infiorate” are held to celebrate Corpus Christi in Assisi. This tradition sees the townspeople decorate the streets where the procession will pass with a natural carpet of petals to create Eucharistic, religious and decorative pictures, some of which are quite complex.
Throughout the week, numerous processions are held along the flower-strewn streets of Assisi. Especially during the so-called Procession of the Beautiful Planets, the priests and monks taking part wear precious vestments normally kept in the Treasure of the Basilica of St. Francis.
The traditional “Infiorate” are laid out along the streets of the characteristic district of Porta Perlici.
Special floral carpets are also created opposite the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and along the streets, where a spectacular procession passes.
Preparation of the flower compositions have to follow strict rules: they must be made with freshly picked or dried flowers, even chopped into tiny pieces, and leaves and shrubs are permitted provided they are not wood. The floral and plant materials cannot be artificially coloured. The use of fresh floral and plant materials must be preferred over dried materials. Water can be used to keep the floral work humid and prevent the materials from rapidly drying. The use of sawdust, flour, coffee powder, or protected plants and flowers is strictly prohibited.
Every year, the Municipality of Assisi proclaims a competition with prizes for the most elaborate and spectacular works.
