by InTrieste
On a crisp Sunday morning, Piazza Garibaldi was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of petals and devotion as the city hosted its annual Infiorata ceremony, a beloved tradition that dates back decades.
The ceremony, centered around the Marian Stele, was organized by the Italian Women’s Center (CIF) in collaboration with the Municipality of Trieste. The event drew a crowd of locals and dignitaries, united in reverence and celebration on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Presiding over the solemn proceedings was Bishop Enrico Trevisi, the spiritual leader of the Trieste diocese, who led prayers at the flower-adorned monument. Among those in attendance were Trieste’s mayor, Roberto Dipiazza, and Councillor Elisa Lodi, who oversees the city’s real estate and sports policies.
The Infiorata—a ritual of decorating sacred spaces with intricate floral arrangements—holds deep cultural significance in this northern Italian city, blending artistic expression with spiritual devotion. For many, it marks the start of the holiday season, a time when Trieste’s piazzas and streets are imbued with a sense of tradition and community.
“It’s a moment to come together and celebrate both our faith and our heritage,” said one attendee, carefully arranging flowers at the base of the stele.
As the bells of nearby churches rang out across the piazza, participants reflected on the enduring relevance of such traditions. In a world of constant change, the Infiorata remains a poignant reminder of the city’s deep-rooted identity.
For Trieste, this annual event is not just a ceremony but a celebration of the enduring ties between faith, art, and community.
