One of the most notable events in modern Florentine history was the day the city was liberated from the nazis and their fascist allies in 1944. On Tuesday, August 11, Florence celebrates the 82nd anniversary of its political freedom from the oppressive regime. This year’s festivities are dedicated to the protagonists of the liberation movement, with special focus on the female activists whose selfless actions shaped the country into what it is today. [...]
Florence is a city that prides itself on a long history of religious celebrations–one such summer tradition is the annual Feast of San Lorenzo on August 10. The festivities take place throughout the day, culminating in a shared meal outside the patron saint’s basilica, which in fact is the city’s earliest cathedral having been consecrated in 393 AD. The celebration includes parades, church events, a free dinner for all comers and live [...]
The Orchestre Giovanili Festival (Youth Orchestra Festival) continues this week in Piazza della Signoria. Taking the stage next will be the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Lorenzo Antonio Iosco with violin soloist Paloma So. On Sunday, August 9, the second to last performance in the series will begin at 9 pm in front of the historic Loggia dei Lanzi portico. The Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is one of China’s most [...]
Listening to youth orchestras perform soulful symphonies on a warm summer night is one of the many joys that Florence has to offer during the month of August. As part of the Orchestre Giovanili Festival, (Youth Orchestra Festival) there will be a free concert on Sunday, August 2 by the Joven Orquesta Filarmónica “Campos Andaluces” in Piazza della Signoria at 9 pm. Joven Orquesta Filarmónica “Campos Andaluces” was founded seven years ago in [...]
For the first time in over 40 years, an English-language production of Irish playwright Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy Waiting for Godot will take the stage in Italy. As part of their Tuscan tour, J. Productions, Milan will present Waiting for Godot at St. Mark’s English Church (via Maggio 16-18) on July 28 at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door: €20 general admission and €15 for students. This rendition of [...]
One of Florence’s original patron saints, Saint Anne (Sant’Anna), is celebrated this week, on Sunday, July 26. Revered by Florentines as Sant’Anna, she was the mother of the Virgin Mary. She is considered a symbol of protection of the self-governing republic of Florence, having been attributed with the successful ousting of tyrant Gualtieri di Brienne, Duke of Athens on her feast day, July 26, 1343. Every year on this same summer date, Florence [...]
The European Chamber Music Academy (ECMA) in conjunction with the ensembles of the Fiesole Music School will be offering two special nights of concerts in the refectory of Santa Croce during the third week of July, 2026. From Mozart to Gershwin, the performances will span a range of musical styles down three centuries. Both events will take place on Wednesday and Thursday evening at 9:30 pm. Both concerts are free, however, must be [...]
Florence is host to the Re-Imagine Peace Festival from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, a three-day gathering centered around unity and cross-cultural understanding organized by Israeli singer Noa, Arabic-Israeli singer Mira Awad, Israeli guitarist Gil Dor, and Israeli filmmaker Tamar Tal Anati. The festival includes a series of free concerts, film screenings, and talks that highlight Palestinian and Israeli activists. Known as an epicenter for re-birth and artistic vision of the [...]
Youth orchestras from around the world will be headling free concerts at the Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza Signoria in four conscecutive evenings from Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 to Sunday, July 12 and Monday, July 13. All events start at 9 pm except on Monday, July 13 which which begins at 6:30 pm, and have free admission. The theme of the series, which continues unti early August, is “Play Peace, [...]
Wed. 8 & Thurs. 9: FESTIVAL AU DÉSERT 2026. PARC Performing Arts Research Centre and Ultravox Firenze, Cascine Park. All performances start at 9:30 pm. The festival represents a cultural bridge between Africa and Europe: a space for exchange and dialogue where music becomes a powerful and evocative language, capable of addressing important social, cultural, and political issues. Through concerts, the festival promotes cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and knowledge of Malian and Tuareg traditions. A multidisciplinary program further [...]
