Bracciano in Bloom: a flower and plant exhibition at the foot of Castello Odescalchi
The Spring Festival is the annual event held in early May where the village of Bracciano welcomes the warmer season. Organized by the Merchants' Association under the patronage of the Municipality of Bracciano, in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, the event transforms the historic center into a vast open-air garden at the foot of the majestic Castello Odescalchi, one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Lazio.
The heart of the festival is the flower and plant exhibition: along Piazza IV Novembre and the scenic Piazza degli Ulivi, local nurserymen and florists set up their stalls in a riot of color. Roses, aromatic herbs, garden plants, and options for vegetable patches and terraces guide visitors along a path that blends the creativity of horticultural experts with the beauty of the historic setting. It is the perfect opportunity to select seasonal plants and gather gardening advice directly from the exhibitors.
The Spring Festival is about more than just flowers; the entire day is designed as a village celebration for all ages. Highlights include:
Now in its many editions, the Spring Festival has established itself as one of the defining events of Bracciano's spring, successfully uniting nature, traditions, and local heritage. The event often coincides with a broader weekend of festivities: the ancient Merchandise Fair is held in the days surrounding the event, while the festival Sunday aligns with the celebrations in honor of the patron saint, Saint Sebastian, reflecting the deep bond between the community, popular faith, and its traditional calendar.
The backdrop for the event is one of the most evocative villages in Lazio: nestled on the shores of Lake Bracciano, dominated by Castello Odescalchi and surrounded by the Bracciano-Martignano Regional Natural Park, the town offers visitors unforgettable views. The Spring Festival is thus also an invitation to explore the historic center, its alleys, workshops, and the view over the Sabatino lake.
The 14th edition of the Spring Festival took place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from morning until evening, in the historic center of Bracciano. Organized by the Merchants' Association with the support of the Municipality, the day featured the customary horticultural exhibition with flower and plant stalls set up along Piazza IV Novembre and in the picturesque Piazza degli Ulivi, at the foot of Castello Odescalchi.
As per tradition, the festival was part of a weekend full of events: the ancient Merchandise Fair was held from May 1st to 3rd, and the celebrations in honor of the patron saint, Saint Sebastian, took place in conjunction with the festival Sunday.
From May 1st to 3rd: ancient Merchandise Fair. Sunday, May 3rd: celebrations for the patron saint, Saint Sebastian.
First Sunday of May, from approximately 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Free admission.
Historic center of Bracciano, between Piazza IV Novembre and Piazza degli Ulivi, at the foot of Castello Odescalchi.
By car: from Rome via Cassia bis (SS2 bis) or the A12 motorway, exit for Bracciano; parking available in areas adjacent to the center. By train: regional line FL3 Rome OstienseโViterbo, Bracciano station, a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By plane: Rome Fiumicino Airport is approximately 45 km away.
Bracciano Merchants' Association โ [email protected]. Municipal Public Relations Office: +39 06 998161.
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Centro storico di Bracciano (Piazza IV Novembre e Piazza degli Ulivi)
Piazza IV Novembre 6, 00062 Bracciano