A floral event in honor of Santa Zita, to remember the miracle of the bread transformed into flowers, is held in Lucca every year in the week of April 27th at the Basilica of San Frediano and the Amphitheatre.
His body, preserved in the Basilica of San Frediano, is displayed during the feast day for offerings and vows.
Piazza S. Frediano and Piazza Anfiteatro are covered with colorful flowers and plants to pay homage to the Saint, patron saint of maids, herself a maid to the rich Fatinelli family.
A great celebration in the city for the celebration of the anniversary of the death of the saint of flowers, symbol of virtuous Lucca, who died on 27 April 1272 and was cited by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy who, referring to a magistrate of Lucca, speaks of the elder of Saint Zita, therefore identifying Lucca with the saint remembered in the Divine Comedy.
SANTA ZITA FLOWER MARKET
The event includes the flower market in Piazza Anfiteatro and, during the days of the festival, the setting up of small gardens in the surrounding squares.
Via Fillungo, Piazza Scalpellini and Piazza San Frediano are colored and the atmosphere is rich in the intense scent of flowers, sweets and local food and wine products.
Also in Piazza S. Frediano and Piazza Scalpellini, the floral arrangement is carried out by Opera delle Mura and the gardeners of the Botanical Garden.
Tradition tells the legend according to which, perhaps precisely because she was envious of the affection received from Zita, another maid of the Fatinelli family began to insinuate into the mind of the head of the family the suspicion that Zita was stealing what she donated from the house to the poor; one day the master, meeting Zita with her apron billowing while on her way to a needy family, asked her what she was bringing; although it was full of bread, Zita would have replied that it was only carrying flowers and fronds and, once the apron had been untied, the flowers and fronds would have fallen.
Tradition dictates that on these days bouquets of daffodils and classic herbal sweets are offered.
This event generally takes place every year in the week of April 27
Free Event
For information, dates and events, visit the site indicated at the end of the article
The reported events may be subject to changes or cancellations.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and the dates
Saint Zita’s Flower and Sweets Festival
Lucca
Tuscany – Italy