Blog

Calcio Storico Fiorentino

By DIANA ROWE | Friday May 11, 2012 08:26 AM

Florence hosts the historic ultimate sporting competition, Calcio Storico Fiorentino from June 16-17, 2012 and then the championship game on June 24, 2012. Four teams, dressed in Renaissance-period uniforms, face-off in an aggressive soccer/rugby competition with no rules and an abundance of testosterone in a show of physical prowess.

The Calcio Storico Fiorentino (Florence Kick) is a step back into Florence’s 16th century when Piazza Santa Croce was the scene of a match between teams from four Florentine districts: Santo Spirito (white), San Giovanni (green), Santa Maria Novella (red), and Santa Croce (blue). Beginning in the 16th century, the annual game lasted through the 1800s and was re-launched in 1930.

On June 16-17, 2012, four teams consisting of 27 players each dress in the authentic costume of the 16th century and parade to the Piazza through Florence’s historic centre. Each day a gallantry of introductions commences before two teams take to the field and engage in a forceful match of strength and power. The winning teams from both days return on June 24, 2012 (of St. John's Day) to play the championship game.

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Festival of St. John in Florence

By LAURA NASS | Tuesday April 17, 2012 12:54 PM

Each year on June 24th Florence holds a massive celebration in memory of St. John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint. In honor of their patron the people in the city spend the day remembering and celebrating their saint by ways of processions, feasts, and fireworks. The Festival of St. John in Florence is an unique event that has been described as nothing but exciting and fun, a must-see experience for anyone traveling through the area.

The Festival of St. John in Florence will begin its celebrations by holding a public procession for all to see. After, matches of medieval style football will be held along with dancing and music throughout the city. The Festival of St. John in Florence will also offer such events as the offering of gifts to the patron saint.

Ending with a bang, the Festival of St. John in Florence will present a massive fireworks display as the day’s climax. The display is held in Michelangelo Square for all friends, family, locals, and visitors alike to see. The Festival of St. John in Florence is the perfect opportunity for any traveler to experience first hand the true essence of Florence.

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Scoppio del Carro - The Explosion of the Cart

By DIANA ROWE
Thursday March 22, 2012 09:10 AM

Every Easter Sunday, a parade with colorful carts explode with a show of fireworks and pyrotechnics to symbolize a new beginning and a new life – the tradition of passing the fire from Jerusalem. Today it is the Florence annual festival called Scoppio del Carro.

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Maggio Musicale in Florence

By LAURA NASS
Wednesday March 07, 2012 11:38 AM

If you may be adventuring through Florence in late spring and are looking for an unique entertainment experience, then consider the Maggio Musicale, guaranteed to provide any visitor with a magnificent time and perfect example of the importance of music in Florentine culture.

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Florentine New Year

By LAURA NASS
Friday January 27, 2012 02:03 PM

The Florentine New Year, held in March, is a great way to observe a large and energetic festival of local culture and color. With a gigantic parade, street feasts, splendid music and art, entertainment of all sorts, and more, the celebration is one not to be missed.

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Celebrate Easter in Florence

By ANNE DUCHEN
Friday January 06, 2012 02:14 PM

Featuring special events such as the “explosion of the cart”, Easter in Florence is known as one of the best and unique ways to experience the beautiful city. The city provides many Easter activities, creating an ideal stop for any Italy visitor.

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Florence Epiphany Celebrations

By LAURA NASS
Monday November 28, 2011 11:52 AM

The Florence Epiphany is celebrated in different ways, known as the last celebration of Christmas. During this time in Florence there will be many events and festivities held, celebrating the story of the magi, nobel and wise kings and their significance during Christmas.

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Festival dei Popoli: Florence’s International Documentary Film Festival

By LEAH FIELDING
Tuesday October 25, 2011 03:41 PM

The Festival dei Popoli, Florence’s international documentary film festival showcases both student and professional films for the second year in a row on November 12-19.

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Guided Tour of the Santa Croce Basilica

By LAURA NASS
Friday October 07, 2011 12:31 PM

For all of those who are lovers of Italian art, the Santa Croce Basilica offers the best of the best. Since the restoration of the main Chapel of the Basilica, the sights are even greater and more splendid, featuring great scaffolding from which you can view magnificent frescoes.

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The Biennial Antique Exhibition in Florence

By ANNE DUCHEN
Tuesday July 19, 2011 09:05 AM

Since it was launched in 1959 by Mario and Giuseppe Bellini, The Biennial Antique Exhibition in Florence has grown to be the most significant Italian art exhibition in the world. This year marks the 27th event and is to be held October 1-9 2011 at the Palazzo Corsini.

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