Infiorata in SicilyInfiorata describes a flower art festival in which a temporary, carpet-like design of loose flower petals and other natural materials is created in the street. Many such festivals are seen throughout Italy, particularly around the religious holiday of Corpus Christi, but the town of Noto, in southern Sicily, holds its event on the third weekend in May.
Artists get busy on Friday by blocking out the shape of their images and filling the inner spaces with brightly colored petals. Their painstaking work doesn’t end until dawn Saturday morning. The resulting creations can be viewed until Monday afternoon, when children are allowed to dash through them in a symbolic display of destruction and renewal.
This feast for the eyes unfolds over the palace-lined Via Nicolaci. Music and entertainment will give UNESCO-listed Noto a spirited atmosphere.
Find the official program at www.girasicilia.it/infiorata-di-noto-2012-primavera-barocca (Italian only).
Luxembourg marathonLuxembourg’s ING Europe-Marathon has an unusual starting time: 7 p.m. Saturday, when some 8,000 runners will take on the challenge of a half or a full marathon.
The Night Run has already reached its maximum number of participants, so you can’t sign up, but even spectators will enjoy the city’s atmosphere on this special night. A trademark of this international sporting event is its live music. Samba bands play in the old city center, and about 40 bands will give the runners a musical lift along the route.
Find more information at www.ing-europe-marathon.lu.
