Download the full list of events in Florence: http://theflr.net/download
1. PARTY/ Swing time! February 14, 10pm. Glue Alternative Concept Space, viale Manfredo Fanti 20, FlorenceWebsite
Put on your dancing shoes, grab a partner and head to Glue in Swing, a fun, retro-inspired evening of swing dancing. Enjoy top tunes from the ‘30s and ‘40s—all performed live. No partner? No worries—come alone and let Cupid work his magic. (Swing not your thing? For more Valentine’s Day options check out theflr.net/vdayflorence2015.)
2. FAMILY FUN/ Cascine Carnival!Feb 14 and 15, 3pm onwards. Cascine Park, piazzale delle Cascine, FlorenceWebsite
With the spring-like weather and the smell of Carnevale in the air, what better way to spend a Saturday than by celebrating in the park? The Cascine will come to life with family-friendly activities, including face painting, theatrical performances, street art shows, rides and more.
3. WINE/ Loving Chianti February 14, 4pm onwards. Ex-Manifattura Tabacchi, via delle Cascine 35, FlorenceWebsiteWho needs a Valentine when you have fine Tuscan wine? Organized by Consorzio Vino Chianti: Slow Food and the Italian Sommelier Assocation, the highly anticipated Chianti Lovers event is a must for any serious wine conoisseur (and most anyone who enjoys a good glass of red). From 4pm onwards, the prestigious event is open to the public. Take part in tastings and from 7–10pm, enjoy a DJ set. For more information, see the website.
4. CINEMA/ Cinema + conversationFebruary 16, 8.30pm. Spazio Alfieri, via dell’Ulivo 6, FlorenceWebsiteThought-provoking, thoroughly relevant and totally free to attend, the Italian Identities as Told Through Cinema festival is back on at Spazio Alfieri. Organized in collaboration with New York University and Stanford, the series spotlights important Italian films that shed light on issues of individual and societal identity. Shown in Italian with English subtitles, the next film is 1996’s Terra di Mezzo, which tackles the important themes of immigration and marginalisation. The story is told in three distinct episodes and a conversation will follow with film editor Marco Spoletini.
5. MARDI GRAS/ Pancake Party February 17, 6.30–8.30pm. Le Vespe, via Ghibellina 76, Florence
The Florentine is ready to celebrate Carnevale! Don your flashiest beads or most mysterious masks for Mardi Gras and prepare for pancakes, one of Le Vespe’s specialties. For just 8 euro, sip on a spritz, stack your plate, mingle with friends and meet some of the TF staff. Beyond celebration, this evening is also about collaboration—it’s your chance to brainstorm with us and share feedback while having some seasonal fun. Come and go or come and stay; there’s no need to book or buy tickets in advance.
6. EXHIBITION/ Go Dutch! Until May 24. Uffizi Gallery, piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence Website
Get a glimpse of the Dutch Golden Age at the Uffizi. Gerard Van Horst, popularly known as Gherardo delle Notti, was a court painter well-liked by the Medici. This exhibition focuses on his particular variety of genre painting, including his ‘Most Bizarre Paintings and Merry Suppers, depicting many convivial scenes, often set at night, which is what earned him his nickname. For details, see the website at left.
