St. Patrick’s Day Festivities in Florence, 2023

 

Florence is no stranger to Saint Patrick’s Day festivities that liven up Irish American communities worldwide each year. To celebrate, a wide range of events will be available to the public to commemorate the holiday in Florence on Friday, March 17.

For those looking to enjoy some Irish dancing, The Hard Rock Café on Via dei Brunelleschi has invited the Shamrock Dance company from the Clover School of Irish Dance to perform from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. The traditional dances featured will throw the restaurant into craic style, which means fun in Irish. To add, a special ‘Guinness Jam Bacon Cheeseburger’ will be available for guests to order while they enjoy the evening. Reservations can be made online, and more information can be found by calling 055 277841.

Join the fun on Thursday, March 16 for a blend of Italian and Irish culture at the Glass Globe disco for an AperiFollia, starting at 8:30 pm, located at Via Verdi 15. Visitors who wear green will be offered a free shot to start the night and will be able to admire the beautiful ambiance of Campi Bisenzio. Those interested can book a spot by calling 333 255 1167.

The Oltrarno Brewery, situated on Via delle Campora 32, will open its Tap Room in the cellars of Villa Strozzi at 7 pm for a more formal evening, which will include a themed dinner featuring craft beer and traditional Irish music. Booking is recommended and can be done so by calling 389 825 3175.

If meeting new people is on the St. Patty’s Day itinerary, The Ostello Bello Firenze hostel at Via Faenza 56 will have live music starting at 9:30 pm. Their central location and unique flair make it an ideal spot for those looking to meet locals and travelers alike.

The artistic types are encouraged to participate in Vino + Vinci’s wine and painting experience from 7:30 to 10:30 pm at Via Guelfa 114. Participants will use their creative sides to create a masterpiece on canvas while sipping on wine. Trivia will be played throughout the evening and the grand prize winner will receive a free class at the studio. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

Irish Pubs

All over the city, Irish pubs are hosting a variety of events to honor Irish history. The pubs only have one requirement: you must be wearing green to experience the ultimate luck of the Irish.

Customers can partake in endless beer, upbeat live music, and good hearty food at Pub Lo Stregatto, situated in Via il Prato 44, for a casual St. Patrick’s Day night.

Michael Collins, a bar at Piazza della Signoria 30 in Palazzo Vecchio, will offer beer pong, karaoke, darts, and other fun games to bring people together for some Saint Patty’s Day competition and fun.

At Fitzpatricks on Via Ghibellina 152R, the party has already started at this more traditional Irish-owned pub. All week long, the bar is offering an authentic Irish experience: whiskey tasting, Porterhouse beer brewery tasting, karaoke and a set menu full of Irish classic dishes on St. Patrick’s Day for 26 euros.

Located at Piazza di San Giovanni 4, one can start their night strong next to the Duomo at JJ Cathedral. After purchasing three pints of beer, visitors will win a free Guinness hat.

At Finnegan’s, enjoy special-made green shots and green beer while simultaneously taking in live music and a happening crowd. The celebration starts at 8 pm on Via S. Gallo 123R.

One can immerse themselves into the holiday with rock and roll and traditional Irish music to keep the fun going all night long at Il Trip per Tre. The pub is located at Borgo Ognissanti 144R, visitors can get a Guinness hat after the purchase of a pint.

The luck of the Irish is sure to be in Florence on Friday, March 17, and the events being held around the city are sure to bring the community together and make the day exciting. Who knows, a pot of gold could be waiting just around the corner.  (Parker Hurley & Antonietta Damico)