Spring bursts forth and Lago di Trasimeno explodes with flowers in bloom.
In mid-April, between the 11th and the 15th, the Tulip Festival of Castiglione del Lago takes place when colour and this marvelous flower called the tulip take centre stage in an event that has been held ever since 1956.
The idea for the celebration originated with a number of Dutch residents of Lake Trasimeno who wanted to acquire land there to cultivate tulips destined for sale. Unfortunately, the stems of those flowers were too short and therefore unsuitable for sale so the growers decided to use them to decorate the balconies of the town. Over the years, the practice continued and the tulip became the window and balcony decoration, creating an amazing play of colours through the historic centre of Castiglione del Lago.
This feast celebrates the arrival of Spring and, as with any respectable feast, good food and good wine are in order: every evening, the local inns will be open to suggest typical local lake food for you to try, and more. During the day, there will be playtime for the children and exhibitions of the work of street artiists.
Saturday, 14 April, the historical 17th-Century commemoration of “Gli orti di Mecenate” -The kitchen gardens of Maecenas – takes place, as well as a discovery walk in the evening of the “Mondo notturno delle falene” – The night world of moths.
Closing day, Sunday, 15 April, the main event is the parade of the allegorical wagons built and covered with tulip petals. Each year, a theme is chosen for the organization of the carts with this year’s theme being “Il Carosello” – The Carousel.
This great Spring festival is the first of many events for which Lago Trasimeno serves as backdrop.
For more info: www.festadeltulipano.com