Every year on September 7 the Festa della Fificolona is held. The festival is held in honor of Saint Mary, and is an important annual event in the Italian tradition. This event is held after dinner, and consists of children parading down the streets in Florence. The children are all carrying colorful paper lanterns that are illuminated by tiny candles lit inside the lantern.

Florence's Festa della Fificolona dates back centuries, and now includes many activities such as competitions for different categories of lanterns. The main procession on the night of September 7 is held starting in Piazza Santa Croce, and is led all of the way to Piazza del Duomo. The procession is led by a band and the children are all dressed in their Sunday best.

Many people travel far and wide to witness the stunning Festa della Fificolona. An additional tradition during the Festa della Fificolona is that the older children watching the parade blow spit wads at the illuminated lanterns. This ritual comes from the history of the event, and adds an exciting and entertaining element to the Festa della Fificolona.

Festa della Fificolona is a spectacular sight to witness, and would be a treat to any travel itinerary.

What: Festa della Fificolona
When: September 7, 2011
Where: Piazza Santa Croce & Piazza del Duomo

Recommended Hotel: Borghese Palace Art Hotel