Pentecost Sunday is really like the opening of the “Buona Stagione” here in Italy. In religious celebrations, it is when the Holy Spirit came down and gave the “gift of tongues” meaning language to the Apostles, 50 days after Easter. ( Penta means 5).

All over Italy, there are celebrations with flowers, often using petals as decorations to make mosaic-like paintings on steps as they do at the Infiorata in Noto,Sicily.

Last weekend, we attended another festival. Barberino in Fiore. Local garden shops bring in their best flowers and plants to sell, which also decorate the town.

Local artisans and artists also participate.

A few years ago we attended a “fiorata” in San Donata in Poggio near us.

They prepare all the flower petals, but also colored sawdust to use.

Then family and friends get together to work on their designs.

Most designs have religious themes here in San Donato.

Have you traveled to see any of these festivals? Let me know in the comments.