Nicosia in Bloom

There are many villages and towns in Italy which at certain times of the year organize an event linked to the flower display. This tradition dates back to the first half of the seventeenth century and saw its first appearance in papal Rome where it became known as a floral festival.

Unofficial history says that even the first flower display was created inside the Saint Peter Basilica by the manager of Vatican Floreria, a certain Benedetto Drei who, together with his son, had the idea of ​​removing the petals from the flowers to use them as colors to draw the two patron saints of the city, Saint Peter and Saint Paul on 29 June 1625.
Eight years later, a disciple of Bernini, Such Stefano Speranza, created another floral painting, thus starting a ritual that was embraced by many villages Castelli Romani lovers of the floral decorations that enthusiastically followed Gian Lorenzo Bernini, creator of parties and baroque manifestations.

Since then this type of demonstration spread to various parts of the country and even outside the borders, this was so much appreciated genre of floral art.
Even in Sicily, in the town of Nicosia, the flower display has become a tradition that allows many local artists to express their creativity and skill using exclusively flower petals of different colors and shades.
As with all events centered around the flower display, the one in Nicosia in Fiore is also particularly popular not only with the inhabitants of the Sicilian town but also with tourists coming from other parts of the island and the continent to admire these delicate works of art. art that every year are oriented towards a specific theme chosen by the organizers of the event.

The story related to the event

Nicosia in Fiore is a relatively recent event promoted by Fidapa which organizes it every year and is considered a magnificent opportunity to get to know Nicosia, one of the Most noble municipalities in the province of Enna where there are twenty-four baronial palaces and a splendid Cathedral characterized by a precious wooden roof of fourteenth century and which houses many works of art by Quattrocchi, Li Volsi and Gagini and a valuable eighteenth-century crucifix named Father of Providence.

Nicosia is also known as the City of the 24 Barons and this, for those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit it, is an indication that allows you to understand the beauties that can be admired while exploring the town.
The Infiorata Nicosiana is traditionally inaugurated along the Ascent of Carmine, or via GB Li Volsi, where the maximum concentration of artistic panels composed of flower petals is found. Obviously the setup carried out by the various artists who participate with their creations in the event is taken care of the day before to allow the creation of the works.

After the inauguration which takes place around 11 am, the show is usually held in the street Flag-wavers and musicians which effectively open the event. The streets of the center adjacent to the Salita del Carmine are crowded with people who want to admire the many floral paintings and who want to be involved in what is a real popular festival where there is no shortage of stalls of all kinds where you can find artisanal products, food specialities, objects of various kinds.

When Nicosia in Fiore takes place

The dates vary every year even if the month in which the Nicosia in Fiore event, the most beautiful flower display in all of Sicily, takes place is June.

Where the event takes place

As already mentioned, the fulcrum of the exhibition is focused on via GB Li Volsi but the entire historic center is involved as well as the adjacent streets of Salita del Carmine.

What to do during the event

Since this is a particular festival that takes place in the streets of Nicosia, this experience can be enriched by also exploring one of the most beautiful villages in all of Sicily, also known like the City of 100 Churches.
Don't miss a visit to Norman Castle on the upper part of the town, but also the Cathedral of San Nicolò, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the church of St. Vincent Ferreri entirely frescoed with works by William Borremans. Also interesting are the churches of San Calogero embellished with paintings by Randazzo , church of San Biagio containing paintings by Velasco.
As anticipated, they are happy in Nicosia 24 Baronial palaces still in excellent architectural condition, many of which can also be visited inside.
Last suggestion is to go and visit the church of the Santissimo Salvatore to see the Swallow Calendar.

How to get to Nicosia

In Car
From Catania, Agira exit for Agira - Nicosia.
From Palermo, take the Ponte Cinque Archi exit for Villarosa - Nicosia.
For those arriving from Santo Stefano di Camastra, take the SS 117 North-South to Mistretta - Nicosia.