Infiorata in Imperia: the tradition of painting a street with flowers

On Sunday, June 18th, the Infiorata tradition in Via Carducci in Imperia is back.

The word “infiorata” literally means “decorated with flowers” and this is exactly how the paintings created for the occasion are made, using flower petals, earth, and sometimes even beans or wood cuttings. Tracing its origins to the 13th century, the Infiorata flower tradition as we know it today, dates back to the seventeenth century.

The infiorata artists use flowers with various nuances of colour and their petals to create both simple and elaborate designs on the streets leading up to their churches and abbeys. After months of work on the actual design of the painting, they first sketch them on the floor in chalk. Then comes the job of filling in the marvellous creations with flower petals, using individual petals the way painters use the colours on their palette.

So, this Sunday, Carducci street will literally be paved with flowers: 10,000,000 beautiful flower petals, both fresh and dry, for the spectacular "Infiorata del Corpus Domini in Via Carducci", 120 meters long over 4 meters wide and with a total surface area of about 500 square meters.

The theme chosen for this year is Family and Work. Additionally, there will be two drawings - one for every stretch of road - made with a wreath of various flowers representing the beauty of nature comparable to the beauty of the family.

Along with Infiorata, a corbeilles and a photo exhibition will be set up in the premises made available by the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso Dott. F. Raineri in Porto Maurizio.

Also, tomorrow Saturday, June 17, Circolo Parasio is organizing a free guided tour of ancient Parasio with particular regard to the Infiorata in progress. A blend of art, culture and spirituality. Saturday, June 17th, 2017, at 4.30 pm at Duomo, Porto Maurizio cathedral. . Booking is welcome, please contact Enzo 331 6992009.