For three days, squares and streets will be filled with colors, scents, and creativity thanks to “Cortona in Bloom,” the nursery and gardening event promoted by the Municipality and Confesercenti, in collaboration with Proloco Cortona Centro Storico, the Historical Group, and the “Luca Signorelli” Higher Education Institute. The event will kick off on May 1st and will run throughout the long weekend until Sunday, May 3rd, featuring installations by nursery companies, crafts, and stands dedicated to copperware. There will also be performances, tastings, workshops, guided tours, and activities designed for all ages.
The pulsating heart of the event is the flower and copper market exhibition, set up in the town’s main squares: Piazza Signorelli, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazza Garibaldi. From 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, these spaces transform into natural backdrops where architectural heritage meets the beauty of floral arrangements, creating an experience that highlights Cortona’s most elegant and welcoming face. Between the displays by nursery companies and the decorations crafted by local shopkeepers and residents, thousands of flowers will bloom in Cortona during the three-day event.
“Cortona in Bloom” is not just a market exhibition, but a true widespread itinerary that involves the historic center and its cultural, commercial, and community organizations. The program combines entertainment, local exploration, and the showcasing of local excellence. Among the most anticipated events are performances by the Historical Group of Flag-wavers, children’s activities, tastings, guided tours, and the floral decoration contest featuring local residents and shops in the city center.
MAY 1st PROGRAM
From 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Flower and copper market exhibition
Piazza Signorelli, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazza Garibaldi
9:30 AM
Guided walk
Departure from Piazza del Comune
With the participation of Oleacademia Eleiva Cortonensis
From 3:00 PM
Children’s workshop “Flowers and Emotions”
Nocentini Bookstore
Curated by Veruska Serboli
Reservations recommended
Bookings: +39 331 2982929
4:00 PM
Historical reenactment
Piazza della Repubblica
Show by the Terzieri featuring flag-wavers and costumed performers
4:30 PM
“Cortona in Bloom” contest award ceremony
Council Hall
Prize: a banner featuring 6 artistic ceramics donated by local artisans
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Wine tasting
Curated by Enoteca Molesini
MAY 2nd PROGRAM
3:30 PM
Flower Treasure Hunt hosted by the MAEC
Meeting point: MAEC Museum
Featuring the participation of historic center shopkeepers
5:00 PM
Itinerant folk entertainment
Through the streets of the historic center with traditional songs and dances
Curated by Compagnia Il Cilindro
MAY 3rd PROGRAM
From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Children’s cooking workshop
Under the arcades of Teatro Signorelli
Curated by Banda Piccoli Chef, under the direction of Dr. Barbara Lapini
11:00 AM
Guided tour of the MAEC Museum
“Secret Nature: Floral Decorations, Imagery, and Myths in the MAEC Collections”
Featuring a dedicated section on the library and the 18th-century Herbarium by Mattia Moneti
Following the tour, tasting of Amaro Moneti by the Spiriti Toscani distillery.
Throughout the duration of the event, restaurants in the historic center will feature flower-inspired dishes, offering visitors an original gastronomic experience tailored to the theme of the event.
Throughout the event, Radio Incontri, the official radio station of Cortona in Bloom, will conduct live interviews, broadcast music, and share live stories, helping to build an even more engaging atmosphere throughout the town streets.
Schools will also play an important role, featured through artistic installations and active participation in the historic center by the “Luca Signorelli” and “Angelo Vegni” high schools, as well as the “G. Mancini” primary school of the Cortona 1 comprehensive institute.
Cortona in Bloom confirms itself as an event capable of uniting beauty, tradition, culture, and community participation. It is an ideal occasion to visit the city during one of the most enchanting moments of spring, stroll among floral arrangements, discover the work of local artisans, attend events, and experience the historic center in an authentic and festive atmosphere.
