The March 25 Florence New Year’s 2026 Program

 

Every year on March 25, Florence pulls out all stops for its historic New Year with a series of events lasting all week, known as the “Settimana del Fiorentino.” From 1250 to 1750, the Florentines gathered at the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata on March 25 to celebrate a New Year, coinciding with  the Annunciation, when Archangel Gabriel told Mary that she would be the mother of Christ.

The fresco of the Annunciation by an artist called Bartolomeo, found in the Santissima Annunziata, is the symbol of the festival, where the citizens would go and pay homage. According to the legend, Bartolomeo struggled to paint a face beautiful enough for Mary and fell asleep from exhaustion. Upon waking, he found the painting completed by masterful hands – believed to be an angel.

Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic (March 25)

The highlight of the celebrations is the Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina, a ceremonial parade of costumed figures representing Florence’s historic institutions.

The procession departs from Palagio di Parte Guelfa at 4 pm, and winds through the historic centre, ending at the Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where participants pray to the Virgin Mary at the Basilica.

Along with elaborate costumes, there are flag throwers, musicians and drummers, to celebrate Florence’s civic pageantry.

Florentine New Year Fair – Piazza Santissima Annunziata (March 25, 8 am – 7.30 pm)

At the endpoint of the historical parade, participants will find a traditional Florentine market with abundant stalls of food, crafts, and flowers.

In the aftermath of Florence’s historic New Year, the city is offering a range of free events in celebration of its culture and heritage. These activities have been organised by the Florentine Civic Museums and MUS.E Foundation.

Open Day at the Artigianelli Workshops (March 26)

The day after New Year’s, at the historic workshop hub in the Oltrarno, guided tours for the public will be led by historian Giovanni Fossi, who will take visitors through the studios of artisans. From jewellery-making to handmade paper production, the tour offers an opportunity to witness the traditional craftsmanship still practised by the Florentines of today.

‘Annunciations’ in Santa Maria Novella (March 28, 10 am and 11.30 am)

This free visit inside Santa Maria Novella offers visitors a tour of the artworks depicting the Annunciation, the biblical moment when the Archangel Gabriel proclaimed to Mary that she would be the Mother of Christ. Works include those done by renowned Renaissance artists, including Masaccio, Ghirlandaio and Brunelleschi. Visitors will learn about the spiritual and artistic importance of the Annunciation to the city of Florence.

‘A Cloister as Large as a Garden’ – Santa Maria Novella (March 29, 2 pm)

At the complex of Santa Maria Novella, this experience invites guests to explore the gardens and nature of this historic convent. Visitors will learn about the relationship between the architecture and nature, and how it was designed to create spaces of sanctuary and reflection

‘You’re not Florentine If… You Haven’t Been to Le Murate’ – Murate Art District (March 29, 10 am and 11.30 am)

Also on the 29th guided tours at Murate Art District explore the history of Le Murate, one of Florence’s most historically rich buildings.  Originally, Le Murate was a secluded Benedictine convent, but was later turned into a men’s prison which operated for a century until 1985. During World War Two, political dissidents were detained in Le Murate before being taken to concentration camps. Recently, the building has become the headquarters of the Robert F. Kennedy Centre, an organisation in Florence promoting social justice. Le Murate also contains a café, restaurant and event space, where musical performances take place each week.

To reserve a visit to a artisan workshop, click here.

To book the free guided tours around the city, email info@musefirenze.it  to reserve your spot.  (Aniela Cabut)