Cortona in Fiore
The flower and copper craft market exhibition in the historic center of Cortona
About Cortona in Fiore
Cortona dresses in flowers for May Day
Every year, during the May Day long weekend, the historic center of Cortona transforms into a vast open-air garden with Cortona in Fiore, an event celebrating spring through the colors and scents of flowers. For three days, the streets and squares of this Etruscan village, perched on the hills of the province of Arezzo in Tuscany, host floral installations, garden displays, and a festive atmosphere that draws visitors from across the region.
The flower and copper market exhibition
The beating heart of the event is the flower and copper market exhibition, set up in the city's three main squares: Piazza Signorelli, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazza Garibaldi. Nurseries create artistic installations along the center's streets, while copper artisans display wares that highlight one of the most traditional crafts of the Cortona area. You will also find craft stalls, floral-themed food products, and a corner dedicated to bees and honey, managed by local producers.
Workshops, performances, and tastings
The program is packed with activities for all ages. Children are the stars with creative workshops, readings, and food education games, while those who appreciate the finer things in life can join guided walks through Cortona's most beautiful corners, wine tastings, and cultural visits to the MAEC, the Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona. A highlight is the performance by the Cortona Historical Group, featuring musicians and flag-wavers who bring the charm of medieval traditions to the square. Several restaurants in the historic center participate in the event by offering dishes featuring edible flowers.
A village to discover
Cortona in Fiore is also the perfect opportunity to discover one of Italy's most fascinating villages. Between the MAEC, the Cathedral, the Teatro Signorelli, and the views over the Val di Chiana, the city of the Municipality of Cortona offers first-class historical and artistic heritage. The event, organized by the Municipality and Confesercenti in collaboration with numerous local associations, combines nature, culture, gastronomy, and craftsmanship in a weekend dedicated to spring beauty.
Cortona in Fiore Competition
One of the most anticipated moments is the awards ceremony for the Cortona in Fiore competition, which celebrates the best floral displays created by residents, shopkeepers, and local businesses, involving the entire community in decorating the village.
Cortona in Fiore — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Cortona in Fiore was held from May 1st to 3rd, with the flower and copper market exhibition open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the main squares of the historic center.
Among the events, on Friday, May 1st, the guided walk with the Oleacademia Eleiva Cortonensis started from Piazza della Repubblica, followed by the "Flowers and Emotions" children's workshop at Libreria Nocentini, the performance by the musicians and flag-wavers of the Cortona Historical Group, the competition awards ceremony, and wine tasting at Enoteca Molesini. On Saturday, May 2nd, the "Flower Hunt" at the MAEC and performances by the Il Cilindro company; on Sunday, May 3rd, the food education workshop for children under the loggias of the Teatro Signorelli and a guided tour of the MAEC with tasting.
Programme Cortona in Fiore 2026
2026 Program
Friday, May 1st
- 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM — Opening of the flower and copper market exhibition (Piazza Signorelli, della Repubblica, Garibaldi)
- 9:30 AM — Guided walk with the Oleacademia Eleiva Cortonensis (from Piazza della Repubblica, approx. 2 hours)
- 3:00 PM — Children's workshop "Flowers and Emotions" (Libreria Nocentini)
- 4:00 PM — Performance by the Cortona Historical Group with musicians and flag-wavers
- 4:30 PM — Awards ceremony for the Cortona in Fiore competition (Council Hall)
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM — Wine tasting (Enoteca Molesini)
Saturday, May 2nd
- 3:30 PM — "Flower Hunt" at the MAEC with local shopkeepers
- 5:00 PM — Shows and entertainment by the Il Cilindro company
Sunday, May 3rd
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM — Food education workshop "Little Chefs Band" (Teatro Signorelli loggias)
- 11:00 AM — Guided tour of the MAEC and the 18th-century herbarium with tasting
Highlights Cortona in Fiore 2026
- Flower and copper market exhibition in the three historic squares
- Performance by the musicians and flag-wavers of the Cortona Historical Group
- Guided walk through the corners of Cortona with the Oleacademia
- Awards ceremony for the Cortona in Fiore competition
- Workshops and activities for children
- Menus featuring edible flowers in local restaurants
Prices Cortona in Fiore 2026
Practical information — Cortona in Fiore
Getting there
By car: Cortona can be reached via the A1 motorway, taking the Valdichiana exit, then the SS71 towards Cortona. Ample parking is available near the historic center, which is connected by escalators and shuttles.
By train: The Camucia-Cortona station (Florence-Rome line) is a few kilometers from the center, with a bus service to the village. The Terontola-Cortona station is another useful option.
Admission and hours
Admission to the event and the market exhibition is free. The market exhibition is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Some activities and guided tours may require booking.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the historic center, as parts of it are uphill and cobbled. Take the opportunity to visit the MAEC and enjoy dishes featuring edible flowers at participating restaurants.
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Where does it take place — Cortona in Fiore
Centro storico di Cortona
Piazza della Repubblica, 52044 Cortona