Every year on June 24th, Florence becomes an open-air stage where history, tradition, and sport come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration: the feast of Saint John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint. A must-see Tuscan experience if you’re planning a holiday in the region!
A Journey Through Time
The day begins with the historic parade of the Florentine Republic, winding through the city center with over 500 participants in Renaissance dress, drummers, and flag-throwers—a true leap back in time to Medici-era Florence.
The final stop of the parade? The majestic Piazza Santa Croce, transformed into a sand-filled arena for the much-anticipated final match of Calcio Storico Fiorentino. This centuries-old game, born in the 16th century, is a fierce mix of soccer, rugby, and wrestling.
Each team fields 27 players, known as calcianti, ready to give their all to win. The goal? To score a “caccia” (the historic equivalent of a goal in modern soccer) in the opponent’s net. What’s at stake? The pride and honor of their district.
The four Calcio Storico teams represent Florence’s historic neighborhoods:
- Azzurri of Santa Croce
- Rossi of Santa Maria Novella
- Bianchi of Santo Spirito
- Verdi of San Giovanni
Why is this game so iconic?
The first documented match dates back to 1530, during the Siege of Florence. The city’s nobles took to the field in an act of defiance against the imperial forces of Charles V. Today, the sport is a powerful symbol of Florentine pride, neighborhood rivalry, and community spirit.
To end the festivities, the spectacular “Fuochi di San Giovanni” light up the sky above the Arno River, an explosion of color and celebration marking the arrival of summer.
Experience the real Tuscany
Thinking about visiting Florence during this time? Share your ideas with us, we’ll help you create a tailor-made Tuscan experience. Discover our exclusive proposals!
