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Among the many museums, exhibits and festivals that are open annually in Florence, here is a short list of special events that take place each year. The Scoppio del Carro and the Calcio Storico are probably the two most important and charateristic events that Florence has to offer. Both events personify and bring to life the Renaissance history and atmosphere for which Florence is so famous.
January
La Cavalcata dei Re Magi – The Ride of the Three Kings
January 6 - Historic Center in Florence
Spring
Lo Scoppio del Carro - The Burst of the Carriage
Easter
Each Easter Sunday a carriage is drawn to Piazza del Duomo, in front of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, by four oxen. Just before noon, a rocket is shot from the top of the Cathedral directed towards the carriage in order to set off the fireworks.
May
Public Opening of the Rose and Iris Garden
La Fiorita – for Girolamo Savonarola
A Mass is celebrated for the infamous Friar and then in the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, flowers are spread around the pyre where Savonarola was burnt.
June
Calcio Storico – Historical Soccer Game
During the month of June, in Piazza Santa Croce, more than 500 actors and soccer players dressed in traditional Renaissance costumes meet to play three intense soccer matches under the summer sun. For three days four different “squadre” or city teams represent four different city neighborhoods on the sand-filled Piazza.
San Giovanni – Saint John, the Patron Saint of Florence
On June 24th, Florence celebrates its patron saint, San Giovanni by a candlelit procession ending in a spectacular fireworks display from Piazziale Michelangelo.
August
La Festa del Grillo – The Cricket’s Festival
Acension Day – August 15
Cascine Park
Each year a lively market takes place in the Cascine Park where sellers offer their wares in brightly decorated cages. Tradition has it that men would buy the creatures and decorate their loved one’s doors and windows with flowers in addition to giving them a cricket in the brightly colored cage.
September
La Festa Rificolona – September 7
This annual children’s festival celebrates the lantern carrying tradition in Florence. Groups of children parade around Florence with “rificolone” or lanterns on sticks.
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See also Dan Hostetler's Event Data Base for events in Italy
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