Festa di San Giovanni

On Monday the 24th, we were lucky enough to be in Florence for one of the largest festivals of the year--la Festa di San Giovanni. June 24th is the feast day of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city of Florence. The Florentines celebrate this day with Medieval-themed parades, concerts, the (in)famous Calcio Storico game, and fireworks at night. Nobody goes to school or work, and most businesses are closed for the holiday.

After doing a little shopping in the market near San Lorenzo, Madeline, Kaylin and I headed over to the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella to watch the Medieval parade. It is tradition for the Florentines to dress in costume and process to the Piazza di Santa Croce, where Calcio Storico takes place.

For those of you who have never heard of Calcio Storico, basically it is a soccer-football-rugby-wrestling hybrid, but about 3294 times more violent. The object of the game is to toss the game ball into the goal of the opposing team. Other than that, there are absolutely no rules, and all forms of physical contact in order to stop the other team are free game! A few years ago, one player's ear was bitten off by another. Prisoners that have displayed good behavior in jail are released on this day and are allowed to participate in the game. Just in case my description didn't paint a vivid picture for you, here's a video of clips from Calcio Storico! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcwAJIRMLzI

Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to lightning, but it was exciting getting to see the players and other Florentines parade toward the arena for the game. All of the Medieval costumes were so elaborate. Some men played instruments. Others held swords, spears, guns and other weapons. All together, the parade was definitely a fun tradition to witness.

Some of the players from the red team!

After all of the parade festivities, we ended the festival watching fireworks over the Arno River. It was absolutely beautiful and one of the best firework shows I've ever seen. The way the fireworks reflected off the water was beautiful. It ALMOST made up for me having to miss the 4th of July this year.

Anyways, more to come! Baci e abbracci :)