47th Infiorata di Noto - A Floral Carpet in the Heart of Baroque Sicily

History and Tradition of the Event

The tradition of the Infiorata di Noto began in 1980, when local artists, inspired by Roman floral art traditions, created the first flower carpets. Since then, the event has gained international recognition and is now held for the 47th time.

The spectacle is created by the maestri infioratori (floral artists), who use natural materials—primarily flower petals, but also seeds, leaves, and other plant elements—to compose intricate images directly on the street pavement. Each square meter of artwork requires thousands of petals.

Theme of 2026: “La Cultura Pop si racconta”

Each year, the artworks are built around a central theme. In 2026, the chosen theme is “Pop Culture Tells Its Story,” highlighting icons, music, and avant-garde artistic movements that shaped the 20th century. The floral compositions evoke globally recognized figures and phenomena such as:

• Art: The Pop Art movement, featuring artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein
• Music: Legends such as The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Freddie Mercury
• Cinema: Icons of film, including Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and Federico Fellini
• Fashion and Comics: The styles of Coco Chanel and Giorgio Armani, as well as the comic book heroes of Stan Lee

Practical Information for Visitors

The event will take place from May 15 to May 19, 2026.

Schedule:

• May 15 (Friday): Preparation of the artworks and placement of flowers (an overnight process)
• May 16–19 (Saturday to Tuesday): Viewing of the completed floral carpet (from 9:00 AM on Saturday until 11:00 PM on Tuesday)

Location:

Noto, Via Nicolaci (and the surrounding historic center - 500m from Casa Bandello)

Admission: Entry requires a €5 ticket (€3 for school groups)

Visitor Tip:

The most special moments are Friday night, when artists put the finishing touches on the compositions, and early Saturday morning, when the full, freshly completed floral carpet can be admired in the soft morning light before the crowds arrive.

From the bell tower of the San Carlo Church, located next to Via Nicolaci, visitors can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the floral artworks after climbing 85 steps.

ScuoleInFiore – when tradition lives on through the younger generation

The Infiorata di Noto is not only a spectacular cultural event, but also a living tradition—one that is passed down from generation to generation. One of the most inspiring examples of this is “ScuoleInFiore”, a special initiative that gives young people an active role in preserving the art of flower carpet creation.

The program aims to involve students from an early age, introducing them to the world of infiorata and guiding them through the entire creative process—from initial design to final execution. Participants learn how a floral composition comes to life, experiencing every step firsthand, from sketching the concept to carefully placing each petal.

This hands-on experience is not only creatively enriching, but also helps nurture the next generation of artisans. Over the years, many young participants have gone on to become official contributors to the Infiorata, taking their place among the masters and continuing the tradition.

At its core, the initiative reflects a clear vision: the infiorata should not exist solely as a tourist attraction, but as a living cultural heritage, actively sustained by the community—especially its younger members. For this reason, the city and local organizations place strong emphasis on ensuring that students are not just spectators, but creators of this unique art form.

ScuoleInFiore is therefore much more than a side event.

It is a bridge between past and future—where tradition is not simply preserved, but continually reborn in the hands of the next generation.

Full 2026 Programme

The 47th Infiorata di Noto runs from 30 April to 28 June 2026, with the main floral carpet on view from 15 to 19 May. Below is the complete event calendar.

Pre-Event: Cultural Lead-Up (April – Early May)

ScuoleInFiore XXI – Schools’ Flower Art Competition (8–11 May)

Final Preparations (13–14 May)

The 47th Infiorata – Main Week (15–19 May)

Post-Infiorata Events (21 May – 28 June)

Exhibitions