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Events in Florence
These are the major annual tourism and cultural events and festivals in Florence, Italy. We strive to keep them updated each year, and we are also removing older, one-off events as we continually update Florence-On-Line. If you find something outdated or wrong, please let us know!
The events below are listed alphabetically:Calcio Storico
Calcio Fiorentino or Calcio in Costume - better known in Florence as Calcio Storico - is a traditional football game dating back to the 15th century. A violent mix of football, soccer, wrestling and perhaps boxing, the tournament is played in medieval costume every year from mid to late June. Calendar of Matches2024 Semifinal: Verdi vs Azzurri, June 1st Semifinal: Rossi vs Bianchi, June 2nd F... read more.Carro Matto
Carro Matto, which roughly translates to "Crazy Cart" in English, is the traditional Florentine festival held annually to celebrate the new wine harvest. The event is celebrated on the feast day of Saint Michael, who is the patron saint of grocers and merchants. It has historical roots going back to the Middle Ages, and is one of the many traditions that contribute to the rich cultural fabric of F... read more.Ceramics Fair (Fiera della Ceramica)
One of our favorite annual events in Florence is the Fiera della Ceramica (ceramics fair). Historically this event was held in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, but in 2023 the event was moved to Piazza Santa Croce. This year's event will take place on the first weekend of October, the 5th and 6th. The event is organized by the Arte della Ceramica, and you can find additional information on their web... read more.Feast of St. Reparata
St. Reparata has her own niche to the left of the main center door of the Duomo, just one indicator to her importance to Florentine religious history Santa Reparata is celebrated as a saint of the Catholic Church and the co-patron saint of Florence annually on October 8th. The ancient Cathedral of Florence is dedicated to her worship due to the legend that she miraculously interceded on behalf of... read more.Festa della Donna
Each year on March 8th, International Women's Day is celebrated throughout the world. The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day. Italian's call this day the "Festa della ... read more.Festa della Rificolona
The Rificolona parade leaving Piazza Signoria September is a time for many Florentine and Tuscan events and festivals. One of our favorite nights of the year in Florence is the Festa della Rificolona, an evening parade of sorts through the streets of Florence, with children carrying paper lanterns lit with candles, while other children shoot the lanterns with pea shooters! (In the modern version ... read more.Festival of the Annunziata
The Festival of the Annunziata, also known as the Feast of the Annunciation, is a significant religious and cultural event celebrated in Florence, Italy. The feast commemorates the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ. The festival typically takes place on March 25th, exactly nine months before Christmas, the day tr... read more.Florence Biennale
They are gearing up for the Florence Biennale already (it is six months away - so put it on your calendar!): "The sixth edition of the Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art will take place at the historic Fortezza da Basso from 1st - 9th December, 2007. This year's edition will include, as honoured guests, the acclaimed artists Gilbert & George and from the White Cube Gallery London, Tim Marlow. ... read more.Florence Biennale
More poor planning - the Florence Biennale is this week. We still have a few days to make it over there, it runs through December 11th.... read more.Florence Chocolate Fair
This year's edition of "Fiera del cioccolato artigianale di Firenze" (artisanal chocolate fair) will take place from March 7th to 10th in Piazza Santa Croce. If you like chocolate, this event is a can't miss! Here are some photos from the event in past years: Piazza Santa Croce with the chocolate fair tent Chocolate Vendor Chocolate Kebab Chocolate covered cherries! Chocolate fries, cheese... read more.Florence Gelato Festival
Here is the official site of the 2016 Gelato Festival - the final event of the season is September 1st to 4th, at Piazzale Michelangelo: THE FIRST TWO WINNERS FROM EACH STAGE OF THE TOUR WILL CHALLENGE ONE ANOTHER IN THE GRAND FINAL IN FLORENCE. 18 OF EUROPE'S MASTER GELATO MAKERS WILL ENTER THEIR OWN UNIQUE FLAVOURS IN AN EFFORT TO BECOME THE OUTRIGHT WINNER OF THE 2016 GELATO FESTIVAL PURCHAS... read more.Florence Half Marathon
The Florence Half Marathon is an annual event that usually takes place in April. This year the event is on April 7th. Every year, running enthusiasts from across the globe converge upon the stone streets and picturesque landmarks of Florence to participate in this remarkable race. Organized by the Florence Marathon Association, the Florence Half Marathon isn't just about the thrill of competit... read more.Florence Korea Film Festival
This event usually takes place sometime during the second half of March. You can always check their website for the most up to date information: https://koreafilmfest.com It has now been running for over 20 years! The screenings are in several locations around Florence including La Compagnia Cinema, Teatro Verdi, and Palazzo Medici Riccardi.... read more.Florence's Maggio Musicale
Florence's Maggio Musicale Opens With World Premiere of Fedele's Antigone "Opening night at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale features the world premiere of Antigone, the first opera by Italian composer Ivan Fedele. Michel Tabachnik conducts the Orchestra and Choir of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, along with a cast drawn largely from Italy's baroque music specialists: mezzo Monica Bacelli in the t... read more.Florentine New Year
Up until 1750 Florence began the civic year not in accordance with the modern solar calendar on January 1st, but on March 25th, marking the start of the year from the religious "Festival of the Annunziata" (which also - surely not by coincidence - is near the first day of spring). There is a plaque (above) in the Loggia dei Lanzi commemorating the event: "Emperor Francis, Pious, Fortunate, Augus... read more.German Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce
Since Italians don't have Thanksgiving to interfere, they get right down to business and start thinking about Christmas in mid-November, by which time the shops are already decorated and pushing their Christmas wares. By December the streets in the center will be draped with lights and Piazza Repubblica and Piazza Duomo will put up their annual Christmas trees. But you really know Christmas is com... read more.Hidden Leonardo drawings unveiled
ANSA is reporting: "The hidden drawings which lie underneath one of Leonardo Da Vinci's most famous works were shown to the public for the first time in Florence this week . A bloody battle scene, a clutch of figures rebuilding a ruin and even an elephant were all sketched by Leonardo in detail in the preparatory 'underdrawing' for his 'Adoration of the Magi' . Yet in the version of the paintin... read more.I fochi di San Giovanni
"I Fochi di San Giovanni" (The Fires of Saint John) is a traditional celebration held in Florence, Italy, in honor of the city's patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. This event takes place annually on the evening of June 24th and is one of Florence's most important and festive public holidays. Historical Background Saint John the Baptist: Saint John the Baptist is one of the patron saints of Fl... read more.International Wine Auction
17th May 2007 7th Edition of Rare Wines, Stage Furnishings and Costumes Auction to support Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (Florence Opera) MaggiodiVino Committee organizes the seventh edition of an auction of rare wines and scenery furnishings, that will will take place in Florence on the 17th of May at 7pm at Pagliere Medicee (an old medicean hay loft), Viale Machiavelli, 24. More infor... read more.La Rassegna dell'Olio di Reggello
The Rassegna dell'Olio di Reggello in Piazza Santa Croce. Please note this photo is of the 37th edition - we are now on the 51st! This annual event of the first pressing of Olive Oil from the town of Reggello is a great opportunity to get the full flavor of the spicy, green and gold Tuscan olive oil (our favorite!), and of course it is all for sale! For many years this event was held in Piazza Sa... read more.Liberation Day in Florence: Celebrating Freedom and Resistance
Every April 25th, Italy commemorates Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione), marking the country's hard-won freedom at the end of World War II and the Nazi occupation. While the day is celebrated across the nation with parades, ceremonies, and cultural events, the historic city of Florence has its own powerful connection to the Italian Resistance movement that makes the occasion particularly poi... read more.Margherita Leoni Exhibit
Among all the treasures of the Renaissance in Florence we stumbled upon an exhibition of new paintings by a young artist from Bergamo, Margherita Leoni. She is currently showing her meticulous works of Brazilian plants at the Accademia Georgofili, which is in the Uffizi complex. The paintings are akin to scientific studies, and hold an austere beauty and tranquility. I plan on going back again bef... read more.Michelangelo's architecture focus of show
UPI is reporting a story they picked up from ANSA: A new show in Florence, Italy, is set to offer a glimpse into the "poetic" architecture that Michelangelo created during his famed career. The show is scheduled to open Dec. 16 at Florence's Casa Buonarroti, featuring original architectural sketches from the Italian Renaissance artist that represent Michelangelo's "poetic" style, said the news a... read more.Mille Miglia
The Mille Miglia or the "thousand miles" has been called the "most beautiful race in the world". Initiated in 1927, the race was canceled for reasons of safety in 1957 and twenty years later was revived as a road rally. This year the race takes place from the 11th to 15th of June, featuring hundreds of the most important vintage racing cars (and some contemporary models) from around the world, pa... read more.Mostra Internazionale dell'artigianato di Firenze
The "Mostra Internazionale dell'Artigianato" or "International Handicrafts Market" welcomes artisans from all over the world as well as Italy. This is a unique fair, full of hand-made crafts from across the globe - clothing, furniture, carpets, jewelry, silverware, collectibles, gifts, wine, & food. It features traditional handmade products that are inspired by ethnic and classical history, and a ... read more.Mostra Mercato Internazionale dell'Antiquariato
If you are an antique art lover, this is a can't miss event to put on your calendar if you are in Florence, or maybe even a reason to come in itself - the Mostra Mercato Internazionale dell'Antiquariato (Florence Antiques Biennial): The International Biennial of Antiques in Florence is one of the most important events dedicated to Italian art on the international scene, with over 28,000 visitors ... read more.Museums free this weekend!
This weekend Italy is taking part in "European Heritage Days" which is part of a European wide event organized in part by the Council Of Europe. What this means: state museums, galleries and monuments are free to visit this Saturday and Sunday. More here, in Italian.... read more.Mythologica et Erotica (Mythology and Eroticism)
At the Palazzo Pitti: Mythologica et Erotica (website in Italian only) (Mythology and Eroticism) at the Museo degli Argenti (Silver Museum) until May 15, 2006. The show features 213 works from Italian and foreign museums. The range of works on display is remarkably wide with paintings, murals, sculptures, ceramics, prints, jewellery, coins and various other precious items - all depicting erotic st... read more.Notte Bianca
The Notte Bianca (check the link for up-to-date information) or "White Night" in Florence takes place on the evening of April 30th every year. The streets flow with people making rounds between food stalls, exhibitions, art installations, museums, dj sets, and live music and dance performances scattered throughout the center of Florence.... read more.Plant & Flower Fair
This weekend is the "Piante e Fiori" show at the agricultural garden (the Giardino dell'Orticultura - site is in Italian only). There will be around 35 exhibitors, and we expect to see some of our friends from the Thursday flower market. October 7-8, 2006. From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM - entrance is free. Giardino dell'Orticultura Via Vittorio Emanuele II 4, Villa Bolognese, 17 Firenze. Map... read more.Rare Renaissance sketches on show
(ANSA) - Florence, Sept 13 - A rare collection of sketches and designs, including little known works by Renaissance masters, goes on display in Florence later this week. Preparatory drawings by Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Lorenzo Costa and Filippino Lippi will be exhibited alongside a host of other names from 15th-century Italy. The exhibition, which opens on Friday, will showcase s... read more.Siena's Palio
Another of the big summer events in Tuscany is the Palio in Siena. We were there for it in 1998. This is an ancient horse race in the piazza and is quite a site - there is a great new article about the Palio here.... read more.Small Antiques Market, Fiesole
This information is out of date! A lot of people seem to find this page so we don't want to remove it, but there is nothing to suggest that this market has taken place in several years. There are several antiques markets in Florence, and throughout Tuscany. One reliable market is at the Fortezza da Basso, which takes place on the third weekend of each month (except for July and August). We'... read more.State museums free Sunday?
We heard that the state museums (The Uffizi, The Accademia, The Pitti Palace, etc.) were free this Sunday, the 18th (tomorrow) - but I have not been able to find anything about it on the web anywhere. The Italian/Florentine museum websites are pretty notorious for not being up to date unfortunately. We are going to go over to San Marco Sunday anyway to see if it is true. Update: There is also a C... read more.The Explosion of The Cart of St. John, Easter Sunday in Florence
If you want to witness one of the more interesting and exciting rituals of Easter in Florence, than the "Explosion of The Cart" or "Scoppio del Carro" (the cart itself is also known as "il Brindellone" or the "Cart of St. John") is a must see event on Easter Sunday in Piazza del Duomo. Here is an excellent video of the entire procession, with drummers, flag throwers, the arrival of the church lea... read more.The Firenze Flower Show
The Firenze Flower Show is an annual market exhibition showcasing rare and unusual plants, set to take place on April 6 and 7, 2024, at the beautiful Giardino Corsini in Florence. This spring event, now in its seventh edition, will feature top exhibitors from across Italy, offering two days filled with fun and learning about high-quality horticulture and gardening. Attendees can also enjoy free si... read more.The Mind of Leonardo
The special Leonardo da Vinci exhibit "The Mind of Leonardo, The Universal Genius at Work" is open now at the Uffizi and will run until January, 2007. We have not been to see it yet but I plan to before we leave for the summer. You can read some more about the exhibit here and the official page from the Uffizi is here (looks like they still have it in Italian only). If anyone who reads this sees t... read more.The NY Times weighs in on the "Cow Parade"
It took them a little while to get around to it but the NY Times has an article about Florence's Cow Parade: Renaissance-era public art in this Medici stronghold gave the world Michelangelo's David and monumental sculptures by Donatello. These days, Florentines are sharing their cobbled streets with a colorful fiberglass herd that's part of CowParade, which is billed as the world's largest public... read more.Top experiences in and around Florence:
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