2022 Flood Commemorations on November 4

Photo by Joe Blaustein, who donated his photos of the flood to the city of Florence

To keep alive the memory of the November 4, 1966 flood in Florence when the Arno overflowed into the city center, causing the death of 17 Florentines, 18 residents of the province and damage to artworks, a ceremony and religious service will take place.  On the 66th anniversary of the catastrophe, Mass will be said in the Basilica of Santa Croce at 11 am, which will also commemorate the heroic efforts of the city’s fire department (vigili del fuoco); the public is invited.  This will be followed by a procession of city dignitaries and flag-bearers in historic costume representing medieval Florentine Republic officials who will walk from Piazza Signoria to Ponte alle Grazie, where a laurel wreath will be thrown into the Arno river at 12:30 pm to commemorate the victims.

November 4, 2022 marks the 56th anniversary of the great flood of Florence.  (rosanna cirigliano)