Florence’s Feast of San Lorenzo 2017

Florence’s San Lorenzo church, up the street from the Cathedral (Duomo), located in a characteristic Florentine neighborhood near the Mercato Centrale, will celebrate its namesake, St. Lawrence on his feast day, August 10.

The festivities include a free band concert by Filarmonica Otello Benelli of Vergaio in the square in front of the church (8 pm). This will be followed by free dinner offered to all comers starting around 9 pm..

The San Lorenzo feast menu, like most things in Italy, is traditional:  penne – short pasta topped with hot ragu (tomato and meat and sauce), authentic and delicious, accompanied by red wine, usually Chianti, with slices of watermelon or yogurt for dessert.

The food and beverages are courtesy of the San Lorenzo Market Consortium, with members of the Florentine and Tuscan chef’s association and the volunteering as short-order cooks and servers.

The Feast of San Lorenzo has its civic and religious aspects:  two Masses are scheduled in the basilica at 8 and 9 am, followed by a choral concert.  At 10 am, a historic pageant of city residents in Renaissance costume will walk from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa to Piazza Signoria, where the city officials and ceremonial flag-bearers will join the parade that will proceed to Piazza San Lorenzo.  Mayor Dario Nardella will present lit candles at 10:45 am which will receive a solemn blessing by Florence cardinal Giuseppe Bertori, who will celebrate a high Mass at 11 am.