The 11th edition of Florence’s Black History Month (BHMF), which develops around the theme “Common Time,” celebrates the cultural heritage of African-descending communities worldwide through a program of events ranging from talks and art shows to a historical commemoration to a film screening in English during the entire month of February. The program kicks off on Monday, February 2 with the showing of BLKNWS, Terms & Conditions by Kahlil Joseph at the Cinema Astra, [...]
Florence will offer a series of themed events on International Holocaust Memorial Day which, thanks to a 2005 United Nations decree, takes place annually on January 27. The date chosen was the one in 1944 when army troops from the Ukraine arrived to liberate the Auschwitz concentration camp. The victims were European Jews, political dissidents, gays, gypsies and others, all systematically killed by the Nazis. After all the city’s flags will be [...]
Reflecting mysticism with a touch of magic, every year Florence celebrates Easter with a pyrotechnic spectacle during which a dove flies out of the Duomo down a wire and ignites fireworks attached to a huge, wood and gilded cart, called the Brindellone. The cart is normally hauled from its storage space at Via il Prato by garlanded white oxen through crowds. On Sunday, January 18, the public can see the Brindellone up close [...]
January 13 – 16, 2026: PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO. Fortezza da Basso. Open 9 – 6 pm, last day 9 am – 4 pm only to buyers and the press. The 109th edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo will bring over 700 men’s designer brands, 44% of which are international, to present the Fall/Winter 2026/27 collections across five curated sections and designated exhibition spaces. This edition’s theme is ‘Motion,’ a concept that celebrates movement and [...]
DOWNTOWN FLORENCE A legal holiday in Italy (banks, stores and offices are all closed although the major museums will be open), Epiphany commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Christ child. Palazzo Medici Riccardi, venue of the Renaissance artist Benozzo Gozzoli ‘s Journey of the Magi fresco, will host children ages 8 – 12 in a historic treasure hunt, il Biribissi, which will highlight [...]
Landmarks and museums will be closed in Florence today with the exception of the special opening of the Boboli Gardens from 10 am to 4:30 pm (last entrance at 3:30 pm) and the Medici Chapels, accessible from 11:15 am to 6:50 pm. Additionally, several city museums will welcome visitors: Palazzo Vecchio (2 – 7 pm) and Arnolfo’s Tower (2 to 5 pm) as well as the Santa Maria Novella complex (1 – [...]
The countdown in the city of the Renaissance will be shortly before midnight in Piazza della Signoria, accompanied by a spectacular light show and video mapping projected on landmarks. The New Year will also be heralded with fireworks over the Arno River near Ponte Vecchio. Prior, in the spirit of tradition but with a contemporary twist, the streets and squares of Florence will host free concerts in a variety of genres this New [...]
Christmas Eve The annual Orchestra della Toscana (ORT) concert on December 24 (5 pm) traditionally inaugurates Christmas festivities in Florence. Ongoing, Christmas trees in Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza San Firenze and Piazzale Michelangelo, video mapping will bring color and light to the holidays in the city of the Renaissance. Click here for a complete listing of holiday church services in English This year’s Christmas Eve performance at Teatro Verdi (via [...]
Along with Christmas trees in Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza San Firenze and Piazzale Michelangelo, video mapping will bring color and light to the holidays in the city of the Renaissance. The following landmarks will host a digital shows nightly: Ponte Vecchio; Palazzo Vecchio (city hall); and the Church of San Paolino. Special four-color LED illumination will make Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the Florence Chamber of Commerce; the historic gates, the Loggiato [...]
The most wonderful time of the year is finally here, with fairs and markets, some of which (but not all) all contribute to noble causes. Here is an at-a-glance guide. Nov. 29 – 30: ATT Christmas Market. Palazzo degli Affari, Piazza Adua. Hours: 9:30 am – 7 pm. The members of ATT, or the Cancer Association Toscana, are everyday heroes. They provide nonstop assistance for cancer patients at home, 24/7, every day of [...]
