Umbria’s Tulip festival

Looking to add a little color to your Umbria vacation? One sure fire way to get the job done is at the annual Festa del Tulipano. The festival of tulips is pretty much what it sounds like, a celebration of one of the worlds favorite flowers. Each April Castiglione del Lago turns into a veritable floral paradise as dozens of floats take to the streets in a rainbow showcase to vivid to forget.

For 42 years this joyous tradition has been ringing in the spring and each year the floats become more elaborate. Each float is made up of thousands of tulip blossoms arranged to imitate a facet of Italian life. Among last years winners were gaily colored floats depicting yachts, a sea plane, water skiing, a local cantina, parasailing and more.

There have been over 1500 wagons since 1956 and there are more to come. They’ve covered every topic imaginable, but they’re sure to imagine more. Come for the festival and stay for as long as you like in a vacation rental, allowing yourself the freedom to see the country at your leisure.