Catifes de flors, flower carpets, are ephemeral artworks traditionally made out of petals, whole flowers and herbs, although for some years now their makers, catifaires,  have experimented with other materials, such as seeds, sawdust and coffee grounds. They represent many kinds of things but generally they are linked to the religious side of Corpus Christi, spring, local themes or just geometric patterns.

Like enramades, branch decorations, their remotest origins can be found in the spring decorations of Roman households. But they are a common feature of all cultures.

They are not exclusive to Corpus Christi, even if that is when you can see more of them. In spring, their function is to transform the festive space and, at the same time, give a pleasant smell to the atmosphere, especially when they are trodden on by the passing procession.

Some towns and cities have become very well known for their catifes. Sitges, La Garriga and Arbúcies are good examples but there are lots more that make them.

Normally the catifaires belong to local groups, street and square associations that compete with each other. In 2005 the Federació d’Entitats Catifaires de Catalunya was set up to join forces in an effort to maintain and spread the tradition, as well as improve the art.