Festa di San Giovanni 2024

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© Maurizio

The 24th of June is a day of utmost importance for Florentines, as it is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the city’s patron. The celebration begins in the morning. All the officials gather at Palazzo Vecchio, including the city’s mayor, representatives from the city’s districts, the Armed Forces, and other citizens. At about 9 am, the honorable procession arrives at the square and gives the Cross of St. John to the mayor. After several rpartades and a mass in the morning, the city is preparing for the spectacular Renaissance football game finals. Traditional Fuochi di San Giovanni or St.John fires are replaced with magnificent fireworks displays.

Parade

The main religious procession begins at Palazzo Vecchio and arrives at Piazza Duomo, where a solemn mass and Candle Ceremony take place at the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fiore. The Candle Ceremony, or La Cerimonia dei Ceri, features candles as a symbolic offering to St. John. The offering is received by the Archbishop of Florence. People also lit candles and sang chants glorifying Saint John. The mass in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore concludes the ceremony.

Calcio Storico

Calcio Storico combines soccer, rugby, and wrestling. Also, players must wear medieval costumes for the game, according to the tradition established in the 16th century. The tournament brings together four teams that represent the four historic districts of Florence, each defined by a particular color, namely green, red, white, and blue. The teams of 27 players fight for a victory, using both hands and feet for passing and controlling the ball. On June 24th, the final match of Calcio Storico starts at about 5 pm. Prior to the game, the public can watch the parade in historical costumes, at around 4 pm. The procession ends at Piazza Santa Croce, in front of the beautiful Santa Croce cathedral, where the beautiful Renaissance soccer game unfolds.

Fireworks (Fuochi di San Giovanni)

The holiday ends with spectacular fireworks, called the Fires of John. The display lasts for the whole hour and is crowned with a fabulous explosion. The pyrotechnics is set off from Piazzale Michelangelo. Many people gather on the Lungarni (the Arno river promenades). The best spots from where to watch the fireworks are Ponte Santa Trinità, Ponte alla Carraia, or Piazza Poggi.