Saint Patrick’s Day may not be a major fixture on the Florence calendar, but don’t think the only way to celebrate is by combing the Cascine for four-leaf clovers. Dust off your green gear: here are three solid options for March 17 merrymaking in Florence.
Irlanda in Festa! 7.30pm onward Teatro Obihall, via Fabrizio de André (lungarno Aldo Moro), Florence, T 0556504112Go Gaelic at Teatro Obihall! Florence’s only Irish Festival is back and better than ever, with a full program of Irish-inspired fun. After an 8pm choral concert, there will be a Whisky Trail performance, followed by tunes from Irish-loving Italian music group Dalriada late into the night. It’ll be a ‘whale of a time!’ To buy tickets, visit www.obihall.it.
Traditional Tunes & Festivities at FinneganOpen from 1pm; music from 7pmFinnegan Irish Pub, via San Gallo 123r, Florence, T 055490794
For a casual evening around the corner from piazza della Libertà, head to Finnegan, the friendliest pub in the neighborhood. Stop in for an afternoon Guinness or come by beginning at 7pm to hear traditional Irish tunes.
Live music at The Fiddler’s ElbowOpen from 12pm; music from 10pm The Fiddler’s Elbow, piazza Santa Maria Novella 7, T 05521506
Spend Saint Patrick’s in the shadow of Santa Maria Novella: sit outside at the Fiddler’s Elbow (the early evening forecast looks clear—for now!) If you’re looking for some late-night entertainment, from 10pm the pub’s official celebrations will start. Expect live music from Italian musicians Alessandro Innocenti, Mattia Rossignoli (ragtime guitar) and Gabriele Paschino (blues guitar).
