Our events listing keeps you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in culture, music and other English-friendly entertainment. This is a selection of the best of them.
EU/Festival d’Europa
May 7–12
Various locations in Florence
A celebration of and opportunity to reflect on the present and future of Europe, this event-packed festival includes workshops, lectures, exhibits, dance, concerts, conferences, films and more. One highlight to look out for is European week at the British Institute, featuring a film night on May 6, which will give an overview of the European Union’s contribution to cinematographic art through scenes from a variety of movies. Another highlight is the Notte Blu on May 11: concerts, activities, performances and more throughout Florence late into the night. See page 13 and www.festivaldeuropa.eu for details.
EXPLORE/TF’s May Walks + Visits
May 4, 12, 17 and 25
Various locations in Florence
Discover Fiesole on May 4, with its beautiful cathedral, convent of San Francesco, Etruscan tombs and the amazing archeological area. Then on May 12 explore Florence’s seat of political power, Palazzo Vecchio, which is bursting with history, art, science and of course plenty of intrigue! Our ever-popular tour of the Vasari corridor is back again on May 17, an insight into art by women in Florence and the history of this fascinating walkway. Finally, on May 25, discover two of Florence’s most breathtaking gardens, those of Boboli and Villa Bardini. See http://tinyurl.com/c2h94v4 or call 333 8689 458 for more details of these tours and how to book.
CONCERT/Marco Mengoni
May 23, 8:45pm
Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 101, Florence
Currently one of the most popular stars in Italian pop music, Mengoni was the winner of this year’s Sanremo Music Festival. His performance will feature some of his chart-topping tracks such as ‘L’essenziale,’ and songs from his new album, #prontoacorrere, which was released in March. See www.teatroverdionline.it for more.
PRATO/Giovanni Allevi
April 27, 9:15pm
Teatro Politeama Pratese, via Garibaldi 33, Prato
Italian piano sensation Giovanni Allevi has performed at the Italian Senate and opened for Jovanotti, and he writes striking compositions that bridge contemporary and classical music. With a presence as powerful and intriguing as his music, his performance is bound to be a hit. Get details at www.politeamapratese.com.
NATURE/Fiesole Gardens
Ongoing until October 10; free for children
Various villas in Fiesole and Vaglia
Unearth the secrets of 12 fascinating gardens surrounding villas in Fiesole and Vaglia that are usually closed to the public. Discover an old swimming pool carved into stone at Villa Montececeri; visit the favourite retreat of Lorenzo the Magnificent at Villa Medici; explore Villa Schifanoia, which was built on the ruins of a farmhouse that was the setting for Boccaccio’s Decameron (see TF 181); or refresh yourself among the many fountains of the garden at Villa Nieuwenkamp, the residence of Dutch artist W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp. Places are limited, so see www.comune.fiesole.fi.it to book.
RUN/Multistars Firenze Atletica
May 2 and 3
Luigi Ridolfi Stadium, viale Manfredo Fanti, Florence
Watch some of the world’s best competitors jump, throw, sprint and hurdle during one of the top international events in track and field. Last year saw around 15 events and competitors from 32 different countries. This year the two days will also include junior competitions for Florence-area youth. See www.multistars.org for more.
PARTY/White Night
April 30, from 7pm
Throughout the centre of Florence
‘The gull sees farthest who flies highest’ is the inspiration behind this year’s Notte Bianca, a late-night event which will see the centre of Florence filled with events, music and people until the early hours (see TF 181). Among the events in store are performances by a troupe of Spanish acrobats, Belgian dances, floating sculptures crafted by French artisans, works by English writers, music and video projections. Many of Florence’s museums will be free and open late for the occasion. For the full programme, see www.nottebiancafirenze.it.
MUSEUM/Slow Art Day
April 27 Free with a ticket to the exhibition Palazzo Strozzi, piazza Strozzi, Florence
It’s time to slow things down a notch and enter the world of art—calmly. During Slow Art Day (see TF 181), Palazzo Strozzi encourages visitors to discover a new way to see the current exhibit, The Springtime of the Renaissance. The event calls for slow observations of five or six works of art, and the Strozzi provides a specially designed ‘looking kit’ for those participating, who will also be encouraged to share their thoughts afterwards, during an open discussion over lunch. See www.palazzostrozzi.org for more information and to sign up. (The exhibit runs until August 18.)
CRAFTS/Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato
Until April 28
Fortezza da Basso, Florence
This fabulous International Handicrafts Trade Fair is back, where you can pick up some unique pieces and admire the works of historic Florence workshops and those from around the world: artisans from over 50 countries will be present. See www.mostraartigianato.it for more.
MEDIEVAL/Giochi di Carnasciale
Event postponed from April 27-28. See website for new dates. Prato delle Cornacchie, Le Cascine park, Florence
The sun is shining, so grab your chain mail and archery set and head to the Cascine park for these medieval games. The two days will include everything from archery, fencing and jousting tournaments to performances of medieval music, Calcio Storico matches, jugglers, acrobats and stilt walkers—all in elaborate costumes. There will also be stands selling handcrafted products made by talented artisans. For the full schedule, see www.igiochidicarnasciale.it.
