Best events in Florence in March 2016

From Pitti Immagine’s food and lifestyle fair to Fatboy Slim at a famous Florentine club, these are the best events in Florence in March 2016.

 

GASTRO/Taste

March 12–14

Stazione Leopolda, viale Fratelli Rosselli 5, Florence

Florence’s ultimate food fair celebrating gourmet culture and lifestyle trends brings some 330 exhibitors to town with their best delicacies in tow. Pasta fresca and craft beers are par for the course, but those with more adventurous palates can try everything from goose bresaola to chocolate-and-chili pepper cookies. New this year is the Taste Ring at Opera di Firenze, a series of panel discussions moderated by Davide Paolini, also known as ‘Il Gastronauta’. For the full program, including the related Fuori di Taste festivities at venues around Florence, see the Pitti Immagine website.

 

SPARKS/Scoppio del Carro

March 27, 10am

Piazza del Duomo, Florence

Sparks fly in Florence every year on Easter morning when the Brindellone, a cart filled with fireworks, is hauled from its resting place in via il Prato to the front of Santa Maria del Fiore. After Easter mass, the pyrotechnics begin when a dove-shaped rocket known as the colombina sets this centuries-old tradition in motion.  The ‘explosive’ part of the ritual begins around 11am, but arrive much earlier to claim your spot. Look for a forthcoming article from The Florentine on various Easter 2016 celebrations in Florence.

 

COMMUNITY/Tuscan AngloAmerican Festival

March 9–11

Various venues in Florence

The inaugural Tuscan AngloAmerican Festival celebrates the ties between Tuscany and its many American universities, Anglophone cultural centers and institutions. The festival will include exhibitions, lectures, volunteer work opportunities and concerts bringing together the Italian and English-speaking communities. A sampling includes a reading exchange at the British Institute (March 10, 4pm); tours of the little-known church of San Jacopo (March 11, 9am–12.30pm); and ‘Ineffable Depth,’ an exhibition focused on overcoming violence (March 8–30, Kent State University). View the full program here.

CONTEMPORARY/Jan Fabre in Florence

Piazza della Signoria and Forte di Belvedere, Florence

 

The sculpture and performance art of this eclectic Belgian contemporary artist will be the focus of installations and performances in piazza della Signoria and Forte di Belvedere. Although dates were still being finalized at press time, the sculptures will likely be installed toward the end of March, and visitors and residents will be surprised by street performances at unlikely moments during Fabre’s Florentine tenure. 

Editorial update, March 14, 2016: The exhibition’s start dates have been moved to April. Two Fabre sculptures will be installed in piazza della Signoria on April 15. The Forte di Belvedere portion of the exhibition will begin on May 14. Both sections will run until October 2, 2016.

TRANSATLANTIC/From Kandinsky to Pollock

March 19–July 24

Palazzo Strozzi, piazza Strozzi, Florence

This exhibition will explore Neo-Avant-Garde movements through the lens of the legendary art enthusiasts Peggy and Solomon Guggenheim: works are on loan from the Guggenheim collections in New York and Venice and other leading international museums. Through works by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Man Ray, Alexander Calder and Marcel Duchamp, among others, the show sheds light on the interplay of European and American artists after World War II. View more information on Palazzo Strozzi’s website.

BEAT/Fatboy Slim

March 11, 10.30pm

Tenax, via Pratese 46, Florence

 

Thought Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, disappeared after the ’90s? Think again. The British Big Beat musician, DJ and record producer known for singles ‘The Rockafeller Skank’ and ‘Praise You’ will bring his funky sound to Tenax. The night will also include a live set from Frase and Florentines Ckrono & Slesh. Ages 18 and up only; must have a valid ID. Tickets are available here.

 

POP/Andy Warhol by Aurelio Amendola

March 5–April 10

Sala del Camino, Uffizi Gallery, Florence

 

An unexpected tribute to the father of Pop Art comes to the Uffizi Gallery this month. ‘Andy Warhol Photographed by Aurelio Amandola: New York 1977 and 1986’ will highlight striking photographs taken by Pistoiese artist Amendola during two trips to Warhol’s infamous Big Apple studio, the Factory. Several of the portraits were taken just before Warhol’s death in 1986, and two will be donated to the Uffizi’s permanent collection at the end of the exhibition. The exhibition will be open Tuesday–Sunday with the regular Uffizi ticket.

 

EXPLORE/Top Terraces with TF

March 19, 10.45am and 2.15pm

Meeting point: ticketing area of the Duomo complex, piazza San Giovanni 7, Florence

 

Who needs a ‘room with a view’ when Florence is best seen from a VIP balcony? The Florentine is teaming up with tour operator CiaoFlorence to offer 40 lucky participants an exclusive tour of the Duomo’s hidden terraces. With panoramic views of Florence and a professional guide, this tour normally costs 55 euro, but TF readers can experience it for just 35 euro. Spots will go fast, so keep your eyes on The Florentine’s Facebook page for instructions on how to sign up.

 

DANCE/Prélude. Veniva la primavera danzando

March 18, 6pm

Limonaia at Museo Stibbert, via Federigo Stibbert 26, Florence

Ring in spring with a primavera-inspired dance and video screenings. Beginning at sunset, Florence’s Kaos ballet company will perform choreography to the sounds of composers ranging from Claude Debussy to Björk. Clips from the 1968 film Isadora, based on the life of American dancer Isadora Duncan, will also be shown. After the entertainment, enjoy an Art Nouveau-themed aperitivo. Organized by Palazzo Spinelli students in collaboration with Nuovi Eventi Musicali, the event is free, but reservations are required: email organizzazione.prelude@gmail.com.