‘Green Florence’: A Lawn & Environmental Activities in Piazza Santa Croce

 

Through September 27, an event aptly named Green Florence is taking place at Santa Croce Square. The square, typically a standard cobblestone piazza, has been temporarily remodeled to feature some 3,000 square meters of real grass. The square has become a floral oasis within the city, certainly standing out amidst the urban landscape of downtown Florence. 

This weekend, the (newly) grassy square contains a handful of olive trees, a small selection of lawn seating, and is surrounded by a plethora of food trucks. The event, organized largely by the Unione degli Agricoltori di Firenze, has a notable emphasis on food. The food trucks surrounding the square are all of different varieties: Greek cuisine, hamburgers, gelato, and many other options encompass the perimeter of the square. 

Unione degli Agricoltori di Firenze is the Florentine agricultural branch of Confcommercio, a “trade association representing entrepreneurs and professionals in commerce, tourism, and services in the province.” They are responsible for Green Florence; the event is part of a broader push towards environmental sustainability within the city. The emphasis on agriculture and food represents one facet of that push, but is far from the only one. 

The event is not solely comprised of food trucks and olive trees, it also features a series of speakers. They present speeches on environmental consciousness: speeches such as “urban agriculture and care of the city ecosystem;” “the value of greenery, medicinal plants, and nature for well-being;” and a variety of others across the weekend. The speeches are reserved for the morning, and different festivities populate the afternoon. 

By noon, Santa Croce Square’s new grassy environment had become a DJ festival. Live music permeated throughout the area surrounding the Basilica of Santa Croce. Locals and tourists alike inhabited the square. Many took in the sun eating meals from the food trucks around. Some Green Florence attendees sipped beers in the shade of olive trees. Children danced to the rhythm of the DJ set. Throughout the day, the people of Florence enjoyed this event dedicated to environmental sustainability and a greener future. 

The event will continue for the duration of Sunday, inevitably featuring more music, speeches, and environmentally-friendly festivities.  (Jack Champlin)