Corpus Domini has worn us out!

I was very disappointed to realize that Florence's swim team meal was a lunch, until brilliant Eleanor pointed out that we could probably go to Spello AND get to the lunch.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. 

Today is Corpus Domini, a major feast day hereabouts; different towns celebrate in different ways. A few years ago, Jeremy and I went with a friend of ours to a big procession in Orvieto. However, the most famous show around for Corpus Domini is the Fiorata di Spello. This is a form of sidewalk art in which flower petals by the billion are used to create the most magnificent images. After Mass, the images are scattered during a procession that proceeds down the flowered way; in Spello, it's a bit different, because only a few of the images (and the less elaborate) are spoilt for the procession. The rest are judged in various categories.

Although I didn't really capture the flavor of the event (the town was heaving with people), I did capture some of the images. The shading and texture were outstanding!

I'm a bit confused, though, because these flower petals were fresh, and I've been told that the flower petals are taken from Castelluccio for drying and then using in this art. Hmm, sounds like I need to research that further. With luck, we'll get to Castelluccio before Eleanor leaves, so she can also see the amazing flowers in situ.

The swords/crosses were raised

There were rickety stepladders for better viewing
and photography, but I wasn't that brave.

Michael enjoying!

I think these may have been passed over during the procession

This was also on the procession route

Brief shower!

This was a complete showstopper;
 I have included some of the details below

The butterfly was about a meter across

These were balsam twigs that were carefully oriented

Eyelashes...10 inches long?

Entrance to the church

I loved the top edge...softer and incorporating the pavement

Another viewing platform

View from Spello

Oh! They also had contests for pretty alleys, windows, and doorways

Spello from a distance

After this extravaganza, we went to San Terenziano for Florence's swim team lunch. It was a lovely affair, although we were worn out!

We got home just in time for afternoon Mass and our procession, only to be greeted by this beautiful work in our own piazza!

And another procession, complete with band, confraternities, and more.

I have to confess that we were too tired to participate in the procession all the way to Consolazione, so we bailed and enjoyed coffee in the piazza...

Love,

Alexandra