Florence

The cultural and historical impact of Florence (or Firenze) is overwhelming. Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the artistic and political development of Europe.

Florence Events

Florence's major festivals include the Explosion of the Cart, when a cart full of fireworks is exploded in front of the Duomo (Easter Saturday); and the Feast of St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city (24 June). The lively Gioco del Calcio Storico, featuring football matches played in 16th-century costume, is held in June in Piazza della Signoria and ends with a fireworks display over Piazzale Michelangelo.

Ognissanti (All Saints' Day)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	1 Nov


Venerdi Santo (Good Friday) & Pasquetta/Giorno dopo Pasqua (Easter Monday)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	Mar/Apr


Assunzione (Feast of the Assumption)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	15 Aug


Natale (Christmas Day)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	25 Dec


Giorno Della Liberazione (Liberation Day)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	25 Apr


Giorno del Lavoro (Labour Day)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	1 May


Befana (Epiphany)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	6 Jan


Concezione Immaculata (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	8 Dec


Festa di Santo Stefano (St Stephen's/Boxing Day)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	26 Dec


Explosion of the Cart
Type:	festival/event
Date:	Easter Sun


Feast of St John the Baptist
Type:	festival/event
Date:	24 Jun


Calcio Storico
Type:	festival/event
Date:	Jun


Anno Nuovo (New Year's Day)
Type:	official holiday
Date:	1 Jan


Festa di Sant'Agata
Type:	festival/event
Date:	3 Feb


Carnevale
Type:	festival/event
Date:	Mar-Apr


Festa dei Ceri
Type:	festival/event
Date:	15 May


Palio della Balestra
Type:	festival/event
Date:	last Sun in May


Ardia
Type:	festival/event
Date:	6 Jul


Festa della Madonna della Salute
Type:	festival/event
Date:	21 Nov