While May was full of all kinds of events (wine, cars, gelato, etc.), June is one the most special "Florentine" months of the year. The infamous Calcio Storico takes place, as well as the Festa di San Giovanni, the patron saint of Florence. Together these are two of Florence's oldest traditions.
There is more info and photos of the Calcio Storico or "Calcio in Costume" on Florence-On-Line. The official site is here.
We'll update the Festa di San Giovanni information as soon as I can find an official schedule. The day is the 24th (as always), which is a Monday this year - just not sure if that is also the night of the fireworks show (but I think it is). This is the poster from 2011 - "I fochi di San Giovanni"
February 16, 2016, The "Black Rooster" labels in a unique collection The preview tasting of the 2015, 2014 vintages and the 2013 Riserva and Gran Selezione in the presence of more than 150 producers.
Tasting of the 2015 Chianti Classico DOP Olive Oil.
The event is reserved exclusively for trade professionals.
FIRENZE, STAZIONE LEOPOLDA - v.le Fratelli Rosselli, 5 (Porta al Prato)
Running from 27 to 31 January at the Stazione Leopolda, Vintage Selection is the fair for clothing, accessories and design vintage objects, held to coincide with Pitti Filati 78. A fashion lab that looks to fashion from the past and an immense archive that provides creative ideas for designers, this 27th edition of Vintage Selection in increasingly closer linked to the world and themes of Pitti Filati. Exhibitors and visitors will be attracted, as always, by a rich array of new entries, in a true festival of vintage culture that offers opportunities for shopping, culture and entertainment.
To make this relationship even closer and more productive, the Fortezza da Basso will host an exhibition/display of the collections on show at Vintage Selection, inspired by “Pitti Generation(s)”, the theme guiding the winter shows, dedicated to overcoming traditional generational barriers in contemporary fashion.
In the same way, the theme guiding the Vintage Selection 27 is “V Generation”: the “Generazione Vintage” will inspire VVV VERY VINTAGE VISION, an installation-show at the Leopolda, with concept and art direction by Angelo Figus, featuring a selection of icon outfits supplied by exhibitors at the show.
Like every other month of the year there is a lot going on in Florence, but the killer event each January is Pitti Uomo. The fashion world pretty much dominates the scene this month, with the beautiful people taking over the city for events, parties, and the exhibition at the Fortezza da Basso. Although Pitti Uomo is a trade only event, if you are adventurous there are ways to get in... but you'll have to figure that out for yourselves! There are also a lot of party and other fashion related goings on at various retailers and boutiques throughout the city - just keep your eyes open!
At the end of the month, Pitti Vintage is yet another fashion event that is well worth a visit - even if just to browse.
Other things happening in Florence in January:
- January Events from Girl in Florence
- Visit Florence Events Calendar
This year's Mercato Nataleperfile is coming up in December:
Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Sunday the 20th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Palazzo Corsini Lungarno Corsini 8, Florence
"Nataleperfile" is a fundraising event and social get together that combines the value of solidarity and the chance of making a special gift to loved ones. This is an annual event that sees a large turnout of people. Housed in Palazzo Corsini for its 13th edition, it will open on Friday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. - admission is free.
Exhibitors including brands, shops and artisans of the area, which will donate part of their proceeds to FILE through the sale of their products. There will be a raffle at the event combined with prestigious prizes donated by major international companies whose draw will take place on Sunday 20 at 6 p.m. in the Hall of the Nymph with the Pandoro and Panettone, traditional symbols of Christmas fundraising FILE.
Funds raised during the three days help to sustain the free services to the seriously ill and their families offered by FILE.
December is a special time to be in Florence - the winter light can make for fantastic sunsets, and the Arno can be very still at times, providing some great picture taking opportunities. There are Christmas markets everywhere, and if you are really lucky you may even see some snow - while it is rare to actually have snow fall in the city center (you will see the hills and mountains in the distance are covered) yet there were back to back storms on the same night in December in 2009 and 2010.
My favorite things about Flornece in December though are the different styles of Christmas lights hanging all over the city center, and the general festive feeling in the cold winter air.
A great thing to do with kids in Florence this time of year is ice skating at the Parterre near Piazza Libertà (Pattinaggio sul ghiaccio in Italian) - you can rent the skates so don't worry about brining your own.
And of course there are Christmas (Natale) markets everywhere - many are just one specific weekend. One of our favories is the "Nataleperfile" at the Palazzo Corsini (offical site). Not only is this a great place to find gifts, but they usually have some pretty amazing choices for lunch, and you get to see the palazzo up close. If you are looking for a panettone, this is the place.
There is also the German Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce - this is a big market mostly featuring handicrafts and food from Germany and Austria. It can be a lot of fun to just hang out and drink some mulled wine and perhaps try a bratwurst if you are not in the mood for shoppping, but there are plenty of gift ideas here too, including cheeses, salamis, and sweets.
Another market to check out for some great gifts and food is the Organic Market in Piazza Santo Spirito - they usually have a date during a weekend in December, and sometimes an extra weekend in Piazza Santissima Annunziata also.
Buon Natale!
There is one historical event that overshadows all others in June in Florence - the "Calcio Storico" or "Calcio in Costume". This is a medieval tradition which has taken place in the city with only minor breaks for centuries. It is a semi-polarizing event for Florentines and not without recent controversy, including the suspension of the event for a season several years ago to excessive violence. It also closes down much of the city around Piazza Santa Croce for weeks, bringing complaints from both residents and shop owners in the area.
But, it is a grand spectacle and surely if you are lucky enough to procure a ticket and don't mind watching grown men beat on each other while presumably playing a form of soccer it is something to see! This year's semifinal matches are on the 18th and 19th, with the final on the 24th (tickets may still be available).
The other major end of June event is the "Fuochi di San Giovanni" or "Fireworks of St. John", one of Florence's patron saints (yes, this being Florence they have two) and another centuries old tradition. The traditional spot to watch the fireworks is from one of Florence's amazing bridges. This year the event is the night of the 24th, the same day as the final of the Calci Storico.
It's May in Florence - and that can only mean one thing - FLORENCE GELATO FESTIVAL! The Florence Gelato Festival has been moved to September 1st through 4th in 2015!
Oops! I spoke too soon - the Gelato Festival started in Florence too - on the Notte Bianca! It will come back to close the festival's road tour in September.
Another personal favorite May event is the Mille Miglia road rally. This is an old event - and was featured in a scene of Fellini's Amarcord. This year's edition takes place from May 14th to 17tth and comes through the heart of Florence on Saturday, May 16th.
If you like flowers, the Iris Garden, up near the Piazzale Michelangelo, is only open in late April and early May each year - this is something really not to be missed if you are in Florence this month (Opening hours: April 25th – 20th of May, Monday to Friday from 10 am – 12:30 pm and from 3 pm – 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 7 pm.).
And of course April Ends with the Notte Bianca that runs into the morning of May 1, or May Day, which is widely celebrated as a holiday throughout most of the world.
Overall another amazing, busy month of great events. There are also many other small markets and fairs in May, see our Florence Events Calendar for additional dates.
(*It can actually mean many things)
Some events for March 2015:
Sunday March 8th is the Festa della Donna.
March 25th is the Florentine New Year (Capodanno fiorentino).
For foodies Taste 10, the fair dedicated to excellence in taste and food lifestyles, is happening from March 7th to 9th.
Check our Florence Events calendar for more specifics.
