Late February and early March in Florence brings good listening throughout the region’s theatres. Throughout the period, a high note is struck by excellent classical music offerings and artists, designed to appeal to all tastes. TEATRO DEL MAGGIO The entertaining comic opera ‘Don Pasquale’ by Gaetano Donizetti, which premiered in 1843 in Paris, will be performed on February 26, 29 and March 4. The old bachelor Don Pasquale plans to marry in order to [...]
February is the quintessential Carnival month, celebrated with parades, street decorations, masquerade balls, fireworks and general merriment. Carnival, Carnevale in Italian, has origins in the ancient pagan Greek Dionysian and Roman Saturnalia festivals. Today’s Carnevale resembles a month-long party melding ancient traditions and modern-day frivolity. Carnival time brings Italians into the streets for merrymaking like no other time of the year. Expect a grand finale of unrestrained enjoyment leading up to Martedì Grasso (Mardi Gras [...]
At the weekend, both the general public and enologists can be the first to sample some of the most recent regional vintages at Previews (Anteprime) held in Florence and throughout Tuscany. For aficionados and those simply curious, the February anteprime present an opportunity to participate and share in the passion of each wine estate’s desire to create a unique connection with other enthusiasts. The term “Preview” means that the wines are offered for tasting [...]
The first week of February marks the launch of Black History Month Florence (BHMF), a month-long celebration of Black culture and history with educational events happening throughout the city until March 3. With more than 50 events, the month-long program showcases film, art, food, fashion, history, theater, and dance through tours, lectures, interactive events, and workshops designed for both adults and children. Justin Randolph Thompson, co-founder, and director of Black History Month Florence [...]
Falling on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, January 27 marks a global commemorative moment known as Holocaust Memorial Day to never forget. This month, Florence is not forgetting the lives that were lost to a horrific genocide and is preserving the memories of cherished family and friends. A rich program–including ceremonies, art exhibitions and film screenings–has been organized for this annual international day. Florence mayor Dario Nardella [...]
It’s a new year, which means it’s time to look towards new trendsetting styles, but it is also a time to look back upon past fashion that has made its mark in previous decades. For those who are retro enthusiasts, Vintage Selection #35 is an event not to miss thanks to a wide selection of clothing and accessories. The fair once again offers a “vintage haven” to fashionistas and aficionados alike from January 22 – [...]
The flag of fashion is flying high above Florence this January thanks to the winter edition of Pitti Immagine. This semi-annual program explores the latest fashion tendencies and contemporary lifestyles in three not-to-be-missed trade fairs: men’s fashion at Pitti Uomo 97 (Jan. 7 – 10), Pitti Bimbo 90 (Jan. 16 -18) and Pitti Filati 86 (Jan. 22 – 24). Bringing a high quotient of Italian and international glamour to the city, organizers feel that [...]
Epiphany (January 6) commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem. It is also the day of la Befana, when gifts are once again exchanged according to local custom on this day, which marks the end of the holiday festivities. The Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Christ child. It is a [...]
As 2019 draws to a close, the city of the Renaissance gets ready to celebrate an ending and a beginning with a Florence New Year’s in grand lunar style. This year, mankind commemorates 50 years since landing on the moon, and the city has organized 20 events in 20 venues awaiting 2020, all inspired by the moon. The city of Florence and organizers of this special night invite Florentines and visitors of all [...]
The following is a guide to celebrating Christmas week 2019 in Florence. CHRISTMAS EVE IN FLORENCE The traditional Christmas concert of the Orchestra della Toscana (ORT) will be conducted by Paolo Bortolanameolli on December 24 at Teatro Verdi (5 pm). The program features Romantic works by Tchaikovsky and Dvorák. The concert begins with the popular Concerto No. 1 for the piano by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, known for its sequence of pounding chords opening the [...]
