Corpus Domini Flower Festival of Tarquinia

The Night of Flowers in the heart of Tuscia

Every year, for the solemnity of Corpus Domini, the historic centre of Tarquinia is transformed into an artistic trail crafted from petals, leaves, bark, and other natural materials. This is the Night of Flowers: throughout the night between Saturday and Sunday, dozens of volunteers, parish groups, associations, and committees work until dawn to compose large floral panels and carpets depicting sacred and symbolic subjects. The festival is promoted by the Municipality of Tarquinia's Department of Culture in collaboration with the Diocese of Civitavecchia-Tarquinia and has become one of the most beloved identity-defining events of this Etruscan city in the province of Viterbo, Northern Lazio.

The route: from Piazza Duomo to Piazza Matteotti

The floral carpets wind through the streets of the medieval historic centre, along the path connecting Piazza Duomo to Piazza Giacomo Matteotti. In front of Palazzo Vitelleschi, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece housing the National Archaeological Museum, a special institutional work—often created by local children—symbolically opens the floral path. Each group creates its own panel based on a sketch tied to the year's theme, and a judging committee awards the best works.

The Eucharistic procession

The highlight occurs on Sunday morning: following the solemn Mass at the Cathedral of Santa Margherita, the Eucharistic procession, presided over by the diocesan bishop, walks across the floral carpets accompanied by the Cathedral Musical Chapel and the 'Giacomo Setaccioli' town band. Afterwards, in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, the awards ceremony for the most beautiful floral panels takes place in a festive atmosphere that unites faith, art, and civic pride.

A new theme every year

Each edition of the Flower Festival is dedicated to a spiritual theme that guides the artists' sketches. The 2025 edition was inspired by 'Pilgrims of Hope' in harmony with the Jubilee, while 2026 celebrated the 800th anniversary of the spiritual legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, with works dedicated to creation, peace, and the brotherhood between man and nature. These large-scale panels are made exclusively from petals, leaves, and bark: a form of ephemeral art that exists for only one morning before being walked upon by the procession.

A community festival open to all

Participation in the Flower Festival is free and open to parishes, associations, schools, and informal groups, who register via a public notice issued by the Municipality. Recent participants have included local parishes, the Italian Red Cross, the Tarquiniense Society of Art and History, the Youth Aggregation Centre, and the Santa Margherita Scout group: an authentic cross-section of the Tarquinia community.

Why visit

Attending the Flower Festival is also the perfect opportunity to discover Tarquinia, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its painted Etruscan necropolises, with its medieval village of towers and Romanesque churches just a stone's throw from the sea. During the Corpus Domini weekend, the city is at its best: the scent of flowers in the streets, children's workshops in Piazza Cavour, and an atmosphere of sharing that involves both residents and visitors.