Florence’s April 25 Liberation Weekend Events ’24

The Bargello National Sculpture Museum, which is offering free admission on April 25

The Liberation Day celebrations in Florence offer a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made during World War II to bring an end to the Nazi and Fascist occupation which began when Italy surrendered to the Allies on September 8, 1943. It’s heartening to witness the city unite in honoring the efforts of the resistance fighters and commemorating this pivotal moment in history. 

On April 25, numerous festivities will unfold throughout the city. The 79th anniversary of the Liberation of Italy kicks off at 10 am with Mayor Dario Nardella laying a wreath in Piazza dell’Unità to honor the fallen. Following the ceremony, a procession will form, with residents in historic costumes and bearing banners will proceed towards Palazzo Vecchio for the official ceremony presided over by the mayor, who will give a speech, followed by speeches from the president of ANPI Firenze and three students from Florentine high schools. Talks on ANPI’s stance against fascism, both past and present, will take place on stage in Piazza Poggi. At noon, a five-hour concert will begin, featuring bands such as Le Musiquorum, Rebelheart, Sollicciano Limited Orchestra, De’ Soda Sisters, and Dj Leblond. From 12:30 to 5 pm lunch will be served. Adults can purchase a meal for €15, €10 for kids. 

Liberation Day also grants free entry to state-run museums (see list at the end). There will also be other events unfolding around Florence starting on Liberation Day and for everyone to participate during the holiday weekend, including the opening of the Iris Garden and the International Handicraft Fair. Furthermore, the French Regional Market returns to Piazza Santa Croce from April 25 to 28. 

Additionally, there will be a talk in English by American sculptor Jason Arkles, hosted at St. Mark’s Church (via Maggio 16) with free admission on April 25 at 7 pm. Arkles is an American sculptor, art historian, podcaster, and author living in Florence. He is responsible creating the life-size statue of St. Mark above the entrance to St. Mark’s English Church.

Nestled in a secluded corner of Piazzale Michelangelo, over 2,500 different plant varieties in full bloom throughout much of May at the Iris Garden. The garden welcomes visitors from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 to 7 pm with free admission. The International Handicraft Fair, located at Fortezza da Basso, viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, offers tickets both online and in-person, ranging from free to €7 depending on the day and attendee. The fair showcases a diverse array of artisanal products, including clothing, accessories, jewelry, food and wine, artistic craftsmanship, design, beauty and wellness products, objects, furnishing accessories, and international craftsmanship.  Woodworkers, carpenters and organic farmers will be displaying and selling their products at the weekend Fierucola in Piazza Ognissanti.

Through Sunday, the French Regional Market in piazza Santa Croce, guests can indulge in a plethora of food and wine delicacies showcasing French quality and tradition. With over 80 types of cheeses paired with wines from the Alpine regions, tastings featuring Breton biscuits with over 20 varieties of fillings, an assortment of chocolates, and macarons, and freshly baked baguettes and croissants, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Additionally, visitors can peruse a wide selection of craftsmanship from various regions, including lavender, soaps, perfumes, and Provençal tablecloths. 

Jazz aficionados will be drawn to the tribute to jazz legend of the past, Gil Scott Heron, performed by Eric Mingus (son of another important jazz musician, the late Charles Mingus) at PARC Performing Arts Center in the Cascine Park on Sunday, April 28 at 7 pm.  Information and tickets at www.toscanaproduzionemusica.it. (Sophia Koch)

FREE MUSEUMS ON APRIL 25

Uffizi Gallery: 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6.

Pitti Palace: 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. Piazza de’ Pitti, 1.

The Boboli Gardens: 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. Piazza de’ Pitti, 1. 

Accademia Gallery: 8:15 am to 6:20 pm. Via Ricasoli, 58/60.

San Marco Museum: 8:15 am to 1:50 pm. Piazza San Marco, 3.

The National Museum of the Bargello: 8:15 am to 6:50 pm. Via del Proconsolo, 4. 

The Medici Chapels Museum: 8:15 am to 6:50 pm. Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6. 

The Orsanmichele Complex: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. 

Palazzo Davanzati Museum: 8:15 am to 1:50 pm. Via Porta Rossa, 13. 

Andrea del Castagno Last Supper Mural: 8:15 am to 1:50 pm. Via XXVII Aprile 1.

Andrea del Sarto Last Supper Mural: 8:15 am to 1:50 pm. Via di San Salvi, 16.

Villa il Ventaglio Park: 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. Via Giovanni Aldini, 10/12. 

Garden of the Medici Villa of Castello: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Via di Castello, 47.

Medici Villa della Petraia: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Villa entrance at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm with accompanied visits up to a maximum of 25 people. Via della Petraia, 40.

Medici Villa of Cerreto Guidi and Historical Museum of Hunting and Territory: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Accompanied visits by the staff without reservation up to a maximum of 25 people at 9 am, 1 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, 4 pm. Via Ponti Medicei, 7.