Love it or hate it, February 14 is not disappearing from the calendar anytime soon. Valentine’s Day may have once been a foreign tradition, but it’s now come to Florence in full force. We’ve rounded up 6 of the best ways to embrace—or shun—the most romantic day of the year.
1. Swing Night at GlueTake your significant other out on the town for some toe-tapping fun! Grab your partner and put on your dancing shoes for a retro-inspired evening of swing dancing. Listen to big-band hits from the ‘30s and ‘40s performed live while you dance the night away. 10pm, Glue Alternative Concept Space, viale Manfredo Fanti 20, Florence, www.gluefirenze.com
2. Chocolate FestivalDoes your sweetheart have a sweet tooth? Head to the chocolate fair taking place in piazza Santa Maria Novella to win him or her over for life. Expert chocolatiers from all over Italy have set up shop in the square, selling and handing out samples of their most tempting treats. Can’t make it on Valentine’s Day? The fair has its grand finale on Sunday the 15th. 10am–10pm, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence, www.fieradelcioccolato.it
3. YELP Anti-Saint Valentine NightFollowing last year’s successful Black San Valentino bash, Florence’s YELP community is hosting an unconventional Valentine’s evening—free of flowers, chocolates and all of that cheesy business. Head to Zoe Bar for thoroughly unsentimental tunes, black decor and more. Whether you’re a card-carrying member of the Lonely Hearts Club, a swinging singleton, or married but anti-mush, you’ll be in good company at this gathering. Instructions on how to sign up are available at the link below. 10pm, Zoe, via dei Renai 13, Florence, www.theflr.net/antisanvalentino
4. Dinner and Variety ShowOn the opposite end of the Saint Valentine spectrum, OTEL discotheque is hosting an extravagant Valentine’s-themed late dinner for lovebirds who want a bit of luxury. On the menu are indulgent dishes like lobster bisque, roasted octopus and more. In perfect keeping with the theme, passion fruit will be the key dessert ingredient. A Valentine’s-themed variety show will also take place. Reservations are required for the dinner; call 055650791 to book. OTEL, viale G. Dalla Chiesa 9 (Firenze Sud), www.otelvariete.com
5. Romeo and Juliet Spend Valentine’s Day revisiting the story to end all love stories—told through dance rather than Shakespearean dialogue. Two of London Royal Ballet’s biggest names, Federico Bonelli and Lauren Cuthbertson, play the star-crossed lovers in this classic story, on screen at Florence’s Space Cinema. 3:45pm, Space Cinema, via di Novoli 16, Florence, http://theflr.net/romeoandjuliet
6. Loving Chianti!Who needs a Valentine when you have fine Tuscan wine? Organized by the 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. From 4pm, Ex-Manifattura Tabacchi, via delle Cascine 35, Florence, http://theflr.net/chiantilovers
