Castelbuono Flower Festival
The petal carpet of Via Sant'Anna at the foot of the Ventimiglia Castle
About Castelbuono Flower Festival
A masterpiece of petals at the foot of the Ventimiglia Castle
The Castelbuono Flower Festival is one of the most beloved artistic and religious events in the Madonie region, in the heart of the province of Palermo. Every year, the scenic Via Sant'Anna, which winds at the foot of the majestic Ventimiglia Castle, turns into a grand floral carpet composed of artistic designs made with carnation petals, gerberas, wheat ears, leaves, and natural materials collected in the Madonie territory.
The art of the floral artists
The preparation of the work is a spectacle in itself: during The Long Night of the Flower Festival, master artists from Castelbuono and other Sicilian villages like Noto and San Pier Niceto work on the floral compositions under the eyes of visitors, assisted by local students. Colors and scents blend into an ephemeral work that lasts only a few days, yet encapsulates months of planning and a deep popular tradition.
Tradition, faith, and folklore
The Flower Festival is not just about art: the event weaves together religious moments, historical pageants, folk groups, flag-wavers, and evening shows. The solemn inauguration with the blessing of the floral carpets, the processions, and cultural appointments make this event an experience that unites art, faith, and collective participation, enlivening the entire historic center of Castelbuono.
An event in the heart of the Madonie
Organized by the Promomadonie - Sicilia Cultural Association, the Castelbuono Flower Festival is now a fixed appointment on the spring calendar of the Sicily Region. The village of Castelbuono, nestled in the Madonie Park and listed among the most fascinating historic centers on the island, offers visitors not only the floral carpet but also its churches, its narrow alleys, its famous pastry shops, and the authentic atmosphere of a town that proudly preserves its traditions.
Why visit
- The floral carpet along the entire Via Sant'Anna, at the foot of the medieval castle
- The live creation of the designs during The Long Night of the Flower Festival
- Historical pageants, flag-wavers, and folk groups
- Processions, shows, and evening entertainment with free admission
- An opportunity to discover Castelbuono and the Madonie Park
Castelbuono Flower Festival — edition 2026
The 18th edition of the Castelbuono Flower Festival was held from May 30 to June 2, 2026, with a special theme dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The event received the patronage of the National Committee for Franciscan celebrations, being the only event from Lazio downwards included in the official calendar.
Saturday, May 30, kicked off The Long Night of the Flower Festival, with the live creation of the designs along Via Sant'Anna. Sunday, May 31, featured the opening of the floral carpet to the public, the parade of folk groups, and the solemn inauguration with the blessing presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Cefalù, Monsignor Giuseppe Marciante. On June 1 and 2, there were performances, a contemporary circus show, musical entertainment, and, as a grand finale, the parade of historical pageants with flag-wavers and a closing fireworks display.
Programme Castelbuono Flower Festival 2026
2026 Program
- Saturday, May 30: stands open (10 AM - 12 AM); from 3 PM The Long Night of the Flower Festival with live creation of designs on Via Sant'Anna.
- Sunday, May 31: 9 AM opening of the Flower Festival to the public; 10:30 AM parade of folk groups; 6 PM solemn inauguration and blessing with Bishop Monsignor Giuseppe Marciante; evening shows and comedy.
- Monday, June 1: 9 AM reopening of the Flower Festival; contemporary circus show and evening musical entertainment.
- Tuesday, June 2: afternoon dedicated to historical pageants, flag-wavers, and historical groups; awards ceremony and final fireworks display.
Highlights Castelbuono Flower Festival 2026
- 2026 Theme: 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Patronage of the National Committee for Franciscan celebrations
- The Long Night of the Flower Festival with live creation of floral paintings
- Historical pageants and flag-wavers on June 2
- Final fireworks display
Prices Castelbuono Flower Festival 2026
Practical information — Castelbuono Flower Festival
How to get there
Castelbuono is located in the Madonie Park, in the province of Palermo. By car, it can be reached from the A19/A20 motorway (Castelbuono-Pollina exit) and then by following the signs for the center. By train, the Castelbuono station is on the Palermo-Messina line; from the station, a shuttle service leads to the historic center (the station is a few kilometers from the town).
Admission and hours
Access to the Flower Festival and the shows is free. The exhibition stands along Corso Umberto, Piazza Margherita, and Via Sant'Anna remain open from morning until late at night. It is recommended to visit the floral carpet in the early morning when the petals are at their freshest.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the sloping alleys of the historic center; combine your visit with a stop at the local pastry shops and an excursion in the Madonie Park.
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Where does it take place — Castelbuono Flower Festival
Via Sant'Anna e centro storico
Via Sant'Anna, 90013 Castelbuono