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 events in Florence and Tuscany.
BOOK/Santa Croce in Pink
October 10, 5.30pm
Sala del Cenacolo, church of Santa Croce, Florence
Take part in a book presentation and mini tour by three authors of the new guide, Santa Croce in Pink: Untold stories of Women and their Monuments (see p. 15). The book explores the tributes to the pious women, patrons, rebellious lovers and princesses—among them Galileo’s daughter, Charlotte Bonaparte and Florence Nightingale—who are interred or honoured with monuments in Santa Croce. The presentation and tour are free, and will be in both English and Italian. Email vojnovic@santacroceopera.it for more information.
ARTISANS/Women Supporting Women
October 10–11
R.F.K. Center for Justice and Human Rights, via Ghibellina 12a, Florence
This charitable event organised by the American International League of Florence unites Italians and expats to raise money for Artemisia, a women’s crisis center that combats domestic violence. Artemisia will receive 10 percent of the profits made from this sale of beautiful and imaginative artisan jewellery, shoes, home decorations and much more. There will also be an aperitivo from 6.30pm on October 10; tickets at the door.
POP ART/Andy Warhol
October 12 – February 2, 2014
Palazzo Blu, Pisa
Discover more than 150 works by the man who revolutionised twentieth-century art. The works from the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and several American and European collections include Polaroid photographs, a number of large canvasses such as Myths, Dollar and Skull, and rare portfolios of Marilyn Monroe and the Campbell soup cans. More information at www.palazzoblu.it.
TRAIN/Treno Natura
October 13–December 15
Various places in Tuscany
All aboard! Take Tuscany’s vintage steam train through the beautiful autumnal countryside and discover medieval towns, castles, folklore and local food in abundance. The first journey of the season, on October 13, will take travellers from Siena to Vivo d’Orcia for the mouth-watering porcini mushroom food festival.
Visit http://trenonatura.terresiena.it for more information.
HUNGARY/Matthias Corvinus and Florence
Until January 6, 2014
Museum of San Marco, Florence
What linked Renaissance Florence to Hungary? In this exhibition, discover through paintings, sculptures, ceramics and manuscripts how the great ‘philosopher’ king of Hungary, King Matthias Corvinus, was influenced by Florence and its artists and thinkers, and indeed by the entire cultural circle of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Visit www.unannoadarte.it for details.
ETHNIC/Musica dei Popoli
Until November 1
Most performances at Auditorium Flog, via M. Mercati 24b, Florence
Music and dance from around the world come to Florence for a series of ethnically colourful evenings. Highlights include Ceremonia, an exuberant Afro-Cuban percussion and dance show on October 11; Cham, a ritual dance performed by exiled Tibetan monks on October 19; and an urban energy-filled hip hop competition on October 27. More information at www.musicadeipopoli.com.
RUN/Corri la vita
October 13, 9.30am
Start in piazza del Duomo, Florence
Raise money for the fight against breast cancer while taking in some of Florence’s most beautiful landmarks during a race or non-competitive stroll through the city. See www.corrilavita.it.
TF TOUR/Celebrating Boccaccio
October 13, 11am, 15 euro
Meeting in front of Santa Maria Novella church, Florence
Join us for a walk that celebrates Italy’s most glorious storyteller, Giovanni Boccaccio, on the seventh centenary of his birth. Through a discussion of the Decameron, find out what Florence was really like during the 1348 plague and why the city’s noble youth had to head to the hills. The visit will centre on the basilica of Santa Maria Novella, where Boccaccio framed his story and whose chapter room features a portrait of the author. Florentine residents enter free for the Domenica dei Fiorentini (with ID); non-residents pay a 5 euro entrance fee. For more information and to book, e-mail Alexandra Lawrence at a.lawrence@theflorentine.net or call 333/8689458. Reservation is obligatory.
FEAST/Chestnut festivals
All autumn throughout Tuscany
Roasted, boiled or ground to flour, chestnuts feature prominently in a Tuscan autumn and there is no shortage of sagre at which to enjoy them. Hand-in-hand with fresh mushrooms and new wine, discover the myriad ways in which chestnuts can be cooked, including jam, cakes, pasta and bread. If you can only fit in one sagra this season, head to Marradi on October 13, 20 or 27 (in Italian only: http://lnx.pro-marradi.it).
BUY/Shop and the city
October 19–27, free entry
Fortezza da Basso, Florence
Calling shopaholics in Florence! From furniture to books, clothes and health products, the array of luxury goods promises something for every taste. There will also be numerous other events to round out the event such as food tastings, a chocolate fair, DJ sets, exhibitions and photo projections. Go to www.fieradifirenze.com for details.
