Italian village transforms with handmade paper flowers
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Residents of Casorate Sempione, a town of 5600 in the Varesotto region of Italy, created 500,000 handmade paper flowers to decorate their community for the centennial Festa Decennale di San Tito.
For nearly three years, over 1000 volunteers, including retirees, families, and children, worked to produce the flowers from various materials and using different techniques.
The festival celebrates both 100 years since the first decennial celebration, initiated in 1926 by Don Luigi Mariani, and 1600 years since the martyrdom of Saint Tito in 426. The official opening included traditional cannon fire and a blessing of the volunteers at the church. Organizers from the Pro Loco and the Parish led the effort, transforming every corner of the town with the floral displays. The celebration isn't just a visual spectacle.
Visitors can explore the decorated streets until September 15, with five information points available throughout the town. This year, children can participate by collecting stamps in a “flower passport” as they explore, earning a special gift at the famous staircase. The event’s strong attendance during its opening weekend demonstrates the enduring appeal of this century-old tradition.
