In June, on the occasion of the celebration of Corpus Christi, a truly singular challenge takes place in Noale between the Contrade (Bastia, Cerva, Drago, Gato, San Giorgio, San Giovanni and San Urbano) and the Gruppo Tempesta of the Palio di Noale to give greater decorum and splendour to the Christian solemnity: to form a floral carpet of over 100 square metres, composed of paintings depicting scenes with a religious subject framed by a turf.
The Infiorata, a tradition that is very widespread in the centre and south of Italy and in Latin American countries, has found a splendid location in Noale, thanks to the Pro loco and the Contrade, among the historic palazzi and porticoes inside the castle. For a long time now, during the Corpus Domini solemnity, there has been a tradition of lining the streets and the square in the medieval village; now, flowers have been added to the branches. Thousands of petals laid on the sand by skilled hands create a great pictorial effect, different every year. The artistic team works months before the event to decide on the design, often linked to religious symbols, to define the colours and materials, to organise the work that will last many hours, and thus give the people of Noal and the many visitors a unique, always original show.
The artists use thousands of petals, grasses, grains, stalks and natural materials, which they place on the road surface next to the old Bell Tower. A work that requires coordination, teamwork (there is also the help of children from the town kindergartens) and a lot of dedication. This is the meaning of the ancient tradition, which is therefore not only scenic. The day ends with the Corpus Christi procession all the way down to the Bell Tower, in front of the paintings made from the flowers and with their final trampling by the children.
Thus one of the main solemnities of the liturgical year is rediscovered and an ancient tradition is revived: the Infiorata, which has its roots in the ancient popular festival of Infrascata. The event has become one of the most eagerly awaited events by the people of Noah and the many enthusiastic tourists who travel around Italy to discover its beauty and traditions.