SAN GIOVANNI: A FLORENTINE TRADITION
Every year on June 24th Florence celebrates its patron saint, for Florentines it is arguably the most important cultural event of the year.
How is it celebrated?
The celebration is divided into three parts, each part of the day is characterized by a particular event.
In the morning: The Candle Ceremony: Piazza San Giovanni, also known as Piazza Duomo, is at the center of this first celebration! The celebrations begin with the Parade of the Florentine Republic, where city officials and volunteers using Medieval and Renaissance garments, armor, weapons, and musical instruments march through the city until reaching the Baptistery, also named after St Giovanni, to offer a symbolic offering to the Saint. The candles are given to the Archbishop of Florence, who will later use these candles during mass in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
In the afternoon: Calcio Storico final: Calcio Storico Florentino, is a historic and traditional event in Florence, it is probably the most anticipated part of the festivities. The tournament is played by four teams, representing the four traditional neighborhoods of the city: The Whites from Santo Spirito, The Reds from Santa Maria Novella, The Greens from San Giovanni, The Blues from Santa Croce. Each year, in Piazza Santa Croce, a total of three matches are played, two semi-finals (usually played 10 days before) and the final, also preceded by the Parade of the Florentine Republic.
At night: Fireworks: Piazzale Michelangelo is the star of this last stage of the celebrations, between 10 and 11pm, the celebrations are concluded by a magnificent pyrotechnic display. The decision to have the fireworks fired from Piazzale Michelangelo is not coincidental; the panoramic balcony is one of the highest points in the city, making the fireworks visible from many points in the city. The Lungarno, streets that run along the Arno river, are probably the best place to admire this beautiful display that closes the festivities!
