In Camaiore, the night of Corpus Domini is truly special: the streets of the historic center transform into an open-air gallery thanks to the creation of the famous colored sawdust carpets. An explosion of colors, shapes, and meanings translated into ephemeral art, crafted during the night between June 21st and 22nd, destined to disappear with the solemn passage of the Procession.
The tradition of the sawdust carpets is an ancient one, with roots going back to the 19th century, and it has evolved over time, transforming from a religious and political event into a genuine collective artistic expression. In the 1930s, the carpets—often very long—became a ground for opposing views: on one side the Catholic Action and Christian Democracy, on the other the Communist Party. But in the end, beauty always prevailed.
Since 1983, thanks to a municipal regulation, the streets have been divided into groups, giving the event an even more participatory character. Today, each carpet is born from a long artisanal process involving the entire community. It starts from a sketch drawn on paper, then transformed into a life-size carved wooden stencil. During the night, with care and patience, the colored sawdust is sifted by hand, layer by layer.
The result? Multicolored carpets rich in detail and shading, almost velvety thanks to the nighttime humidity. Each carpet is unique: it connects different generations, tells the identity of Camaiore, and brings to life a collective work that lasts only a few hours. And therein lies its magic.
Like every form of ephemeral art, the sawdust carpets are destined to disappear. The following day, the Corpus Domini Procession crosses the town’s streets, walking over those works made with such dedication. In a few minutes, everything is gone. But the memory, the meaning, and the shared emotion remain.
For those who choose to live in Camaiore, this tradition is much more than an event: it is an opportunity to feel part of an authentic community, rooted in its past yet capable of reinventing itself each year with creativity and passion. It is also one of the many reasons why so many people decide to buy a home here, attracted by a context rich in culture, art, and warmth.
If you too dream of a home in a place where beauty is fleeting but the sense of belonging is lasting, Camaiore is waiting for you. We at Casani Immobiliare are here to help you find yours.
