Florence’s San Lorenzo Festivities 2024: Parade, Mass & Free Dinner

Florence’s church of San Lorenzo with a banner of its patron saint

In Florence, August 10 is celebrated as the feast day of San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence) in the characteristic neighborhood near the Central Market that comprises the basilica of San Lorenzo, which was once the Medici family parish church.

The day will start with a parade of Florentines in traditional medieval dress walking from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa to Piazza Signoria (9:45 am), where they will be joined by flag-bearers as they continue on to via Calzaiuoli, piazza San Giovanni, and via Martelli before arriving in Piazza San Lorenzo. A choral Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Gherardo Gambelli at 11 am in the church of San Lorenzo, with the offering of large candles (ceri) to the saint by city officials. Afterwards, the historical procession will wind its way down city streets back to the Palagio di Parte Guelfa, where it started.

A free dinner–pasta with ragù (meat and tomato sauce), in addition to yogurt or watermelon–will be provided to the public by the businesses of the Central Market beginning at 9 pm. The free meal on the feast of San Lorenzo is a Florentine tradition spanning centuries — in medieval times, guests was treated to pieces of grilled steak.

On the feast of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Medici Riccardi is offering free evening admission to the current exhibition The Enchantment of Orpheus if one signs up for a guided tour and a musical performance at 7:30 or 8:30 pm (€2 for residents, €4 for non residents) by calling 055-276 0552 or sending an email to info@palazzomediciriccardi.it

A LOOK AT THE SHOW

Visitors will have the opportunity to embark on a captivating journey through Orpheus’ myth, spanning a diverse collection of ancient to contemporary art. From his exploits with the Argonauts to his tragic descent into the underworld in a desperate bid to rescue his beloved Eurydice, each artwork serves as a testament to the myth’s enduring allure and the universal themes of love, loss, and the power of art that his story ultimately embodies.

Standing with tall prowess overlooking the courtyard of Palazzo Medici, the statue of Orpheus, sculpted by Baccio Bandellini, inspires this impactful exhibition as it explores the intricacies of the figure.  The collection masterfully begins with a magnificent Neo-Attic marble relief, portraying Orpheus, Eurydice, and Hermes—an exquisite rendition of the poet’s poignant separation from his beloved. Originating from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, this masterpiece serves as a poignant introduction to Orpheus’ tale, inspiring poets and artists across generations.

Amongst the continuing highlights is a captivating painting by Gerrit van Honthorst (1592-1656), depicting Orpheus enchanting the Argonauts with his mesmerizing music—a scene that captures the poet’s legendary charisma and influence. Another major highlight is Titian’s “Orpheus and Eurydice,” a piece that skillfully captures two pivotal moments of the myth in a single composition, inviting viewers to witness the tragic tale unfold before their eyes. In addition, a sculpture by Pierre de Franqueville is centered in one room and portrays a haunting depiction of the poet’s desperate quest to rescue Eurydice. Cerberus sitting docile at his feet, Orpheus gazes yearningly upward, eyes carrying the weight of his despair as he plays his lyre in hopes of pacifying the god of the underworld to release his beloved.  (rosanna cirigliano)