The medieval town of Genazzano hosts many artistic, historical, and cultural events, such as the Infiorata del Sacro Cuore, which, since 1883, has been taking place on the first Sunday of July. However, some argue that the first floral display was held in 1625.
The seventeen districts of Genazzano honour the Sacro Cuore, creating paintings during the week before the Flower Festival. The Infioratori, after picking, in the countryside and on the Prenestini Mountains, the flowers, which will be preserved in tuff cellars, select the petals according to the colours, and arrange them into floral mosaics, they had previously designed.
Genazzano flower display – photo Proloco Genazzano
The final floral carpets along the streets of the village turn out to be extraordinary works of art. In 2012, the Infiorata was certified, by Guinness World Records from London, as “The largest flower carpet in the world“, a charming uninterrupted 1642.57 m2 sea of exclusively fresh petals! In 2013, the Italian Post Office issued a special postage stamp in memory of this 2012 Guinness World Record.
Procession during the Flower Festival in Genazzano – photo Proloco Genazzano
During the Procession of the Sacro Cuore along the carpet of flowered paintings, the SS. Sacramento is solemnly carried by over 400 participants, recalling the Old and New Testaments. The Infiorata of Genazzano is candidate to become Intangible UNESCO Cultural Heritage.
Before the Procession, several events are scheduled, such as thematic exhibitions in the Museo dell’ Infiorata, choral performances, free guided tours, flag-waving shows and tastings.
All official documents in Genazzano must bear, under the coat of arms, the words “Comune di Genazzano, Città d’Arte e dell’Infiorata”.