The $30 million flower carpet tradition blooms in Madrid

The Galician florists association spent over 30,000 blossoms, predominantly yellow and white in the colours of the Holy See, to create sixteen intricate designs that included symbols such as the papal keys.

The flower carpet tradition, already recognised by UNESCO for Poland, is now being promoted by Galicia for inclusion on the list of intangible cultural heritage.

Organisers highlgihted that the event is part of a broader pattern of religious festivities in Spain, which include Holy Week processions, local patron saint fiestas and pilgrimages that draw both faithful participants and curious tourists.

Young Spaniards show faith still resonates

Observers noted the sheer scale of the event, with thousands of young Spaniards kneelling in silent prayer beside the Pope, demonstrting that religious sentiment still resonates among the younger generation despite the country's overall secular trend.

During the Mass, the pontiff addressed the crowd, urging young people not to shy away from considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

He also gave a personal blessing to a young couple, Irati Valda and Javier Hormazal, who announced their upcoming wedding on June 13.

A symbol of faith in a secular society

The flower carpet procession is a traditional Corpus Domini procession that dates back two centuries, viewed as an offering to the Eucharist and deliberately crushed as the procession moves forward , a symbolic act that connects present devotion with historic ritual.

The event is a reminder that faith still plays a significant role in Spanish culture, despite the country's overall secular trend.

The Pope's message to young people to consider religious vocations is a call to action for a new generation of Spaniards to engage with their faith.

What's next for the flower carpet tradition?

The event is part of a broader pattern of religious festivities in Spain, which include Holy Week processions ,local patron saint fiestas and pilgrimages that draw both faithful participants and curious tourists .

The flower carpet tradition is now being promoted by Galicia for inclusion on the list of intangible cultural heritage, a move that could help preserve this unique cultural practice for future generations.

The event is a testament to the endurinng power of faith and culture in Spain, and a reminder that even in a secular society, there is still a place for tradition and ritual.