The May 31 Infiorata in Campobasso.

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Carpets of flowers in honor of Our Lady of the Mountains

May, the month dedicated to Our Lady, is always deeply felt in every town in Italy. Campobasso, dominated from above by the Monforte castle and the church of Madonna dei Monti, which has always been venerated by the population, is no different. In fact, one of the region’s most characteristic events is held in her honor on the last day of the month.

On May 31, in fact, the Infiorata, a colorful, fragrant and much-loved event for the population, takes place among the streets of the historic center.

From the early hours of the afternoon, after picking wildflowers, the making of carpets of flowers and decorations along the narrow streets of the ancient village begins. This is painstaking work done by everyone, adults and children alike, including the use of coffee laying for the outlines and finishing touches, which goes on until late afternoon. Meanwhile, preparations take place in the church of Our Lady of the Mountains from which the statue emerges and is about to be carried in procession from the upper part of the city to the streets of the village.

The peculiarity is that only the procession can pass on the carpets made, a work therefore finished a few minutes before the arrival of the statue, which, as it passes under windows and balconies, is flooded with petals. A few minutes, indeed a few moments, and everything is cleaned. Hours of work vanished in a matter of seconds. Nevertheless, year after year, this tradition is repeated, demonstrating how devoted the people of Campobasso are to Our Lady of the Mountains.