The Corpus Domini Procession in Chieti, Francesco Paolo Michetti, 1877
Walk around the streets of many of Abruzzo’s towns and villages 60 days after Easter and you’ll experience the vibrant celebration of l’Infiorata del Corpus Domini. This enchanting event, held annually on the occasion of Corpus Christi, showcases an extraordinary display of floral artistry.
Earlier pagan communities at this time of year used to have particular rituals that often involved adorning streets and altars with flowers and herbs as a way to honour the Earth and its regenerative powers. Today’s celebrations blend folklore, art, and Christian faith with colour and scent. This age-old tradition brings together local communities who meticulously arrange a variety of materials into mesmerising patterns and intricate scenes from the bible and depictions of peace. The grey cobblestone streets become a temporary tapestry, transformed through the intricate designs that use flower petals, sawdust, coffee grains, and natural elements such as leaves, seeds, and bark.
Pescasseroli’s Infiorata del Corpus Domini
The term “Corpus Christi” is Latin for “Body of Christ.” The celebration became known as Corpus Domini, meaning “Body of the Lord,” during the reforms of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. It is a significant event in the international liturgical calendar, marked by processions, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and special Masses in Catholic communities worldwide. The visionary experiences of a Belgian nun named Juliana of Liège in the 13th century are behind the event. She fervently believed that there should be a feast to honour the Eucharist and persuaded the future Pope, Urban IV to rally to her cause and create a day for this.
Where to Explore the Magic and Creativity of L’Infiorata del Corpus Domini in Abruzzo
L’Aquila Province – Pescasseroli, Magliano de’ Marsi,
Chieti Province – Lanciano, Roccascalegna, San Giovanni a Venere, San Salvo, Sant’Eusanio del Sangro, Perano, Carunchio
Teramo Province – Castelli, Civitella del Tronto, Castilenti, Toricella Sicura, Giulianova (1st edition 2023)
Have we missed one off let us know and we’ll add it to list!
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a very lucky midlife 'mamma' to A who is 12 and juggles her work as a self-employed freelance SEO food and travel copywriter and EFL teacher. She is the founder of the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, co-founder of Let's Blog Abruzzo. she is the founder of the 'English in the Woods' initiative, teaching English outdoors in a forest style school.
