Noto’s Floral Spectacle: A Vibrant Celebration of Spring

In the heart of Sicily’s Baroque capital, Noto, a captivating event unfolds annually. This vibrant floral display, held on the third Sunday of May, transforms the city into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of color. Each year features a new theme; the 2017 edition, for example, celebrated the dreams and hues of the Principality of Monaco. The tradition of floral decoration in Noto began much earlier, however; inspired by the June 29th, 1625 feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Benedetto Drei, head of the Vatican’s flower shop, and his son Pietro initiated this practice. The event’s inaugural iteration in Noto itself dates to 1980, a collaborative effort between local and Genzano artists. Genzano, near Rome, boasts a long history of similar celebrations, beginning in 1778 as a tribute to the Blessed Sacrament, with flowers adorning the Corpus Domini procession route. Noto’s Infiorata, however, sought to showcase the city’s remarkable Baroque architecture, from its iconic rose-hued limestone buildings—designated a UNESCO World Heritage site—to its magnificent cathedral. The main thoroughfare, Via Nicolaci, a majestic 122-meter long and 7-meter wide street, flanked by stunning Baroque palaces and culminating in the concave façade of the Montevergini church, provides a spectacular setting for this vibrant spectacle. The creation of the artwork unfolds over several days. Friday sees artists sketching their designs, Saturday the meticulous placement of thousands of petals and seeds, secured with a special adhesive, a labor of love continuing throughout the night. The result, unveiled Sunday morning, astonishes the crowds of international visitors, presenting a mesmerizing vision of a city reborn as a vibrant, floral garden. The festivities extend beyond the Infiorata itself, incorporating exhibitions, musical performances, open museums and churches, food and wine tastings showcasing local products, and guided tours. A highlight is undoubtedly the Baroque procession, featuring costumed participants, flag-wavers, heralds, and musicians, transporting visitors back in time.