FIREWORKS/Floren-sparks! 9.55am arrival in piazza del Duomo Piazza del Duomo, Florence
Easter is an explosive day in Florence! On Sunday morning, hordes will huddle in piazza del Duomo for the famous Scoppio del Carro, the centuries-old fireworks spectacle, accompanied by a flag-throwing performance from the Bandierai degli Uffizi. Though the sparks won’t start flying until 11am, the cart arrives in the square at 9.55am. We recommend arriving extra early to stake out a spot—expect crowds!
CONTEMPORARY/Diramante April 3–May 30 Edoardo Secci contemporary gallery, via Maggio 51r, Florence Website
The Secci gallery in via Maggio is the chic venue for ‘Diramante,’ the first of a two-part showcase of works by Maurizio Donzelli. Opening April 3 at 6pm, this thoroughly of-the-moment exhibition explores how beauty is making a comeback in contemporary art—Donzelli’s recent work figures prominently in this international conversation. Curated by Bartholomew F. Bland, who was behind the much-lauded American Dreamers show at the CCC Strozzina in 2012, the show at Eduardo Secci is the first part of the exhibition: in June, the gallery’s Pietrasanta location will host part two. For more information, call 055/283506 or visit the website.
TRIVIA/Pub Quiz Night! April 2, 9.30pm Finnegan Irish Pub, via San Gallo Florence Website Time to put your ‘thinking cap’ on! Finnegan’s famous pub quiz night is back. Gather a group of friends, but choose your companions wisely! Teams are limited to five people, and to conquer the competition, you’ll probably want a history buff, a pop culture junkie, a sports fanatic and a geography whiz on your side. Members of the top three teams will take home prizes—and there are several chances to score spot prizes throughout the evening!
FILM/Middle East Now April 8-13 Odeon Cinehall, piazza Strozzi, Florence Website Fresh on the heels of the Florence Korea Film Fest, the Middle East Now festival is coming to the Odeon, celebrating the best in cinematic achievement from the Middle East and North Africa. The festival kicks off on April 8 at 9pm with short film Rise, set in 2025. One of the stars of the short is the self-described ‘dandy’ musician and hip-hop artist, The Narcicyst, who will be present at the screening. Following the short, the feature film Tales will be screened—set in today’s Iran. Actress Fatemeh Motamed Arya will be in the audience. The fun continues until April 13—beyond film screenings, expect tasting events, meetings with actors and art exhibitions. For the full program, see the website.
CONCERT/Swiss soundsApril 8, 6pm St. Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16/18, Florence Website
Fresh from French-speaking Switzerland, the Orchestre des Jeunes de Fribourg and its 20 young musicians are coming to St. Mark’s this week. Théophanis Kapsopoulos founded the group in 1971 and continues to conduct it today, guiding promising young musicians and giving them the chance to perform with and learn from major professionals. The group will perform on string instruments, and their repertoire will cover a range of music, dating from the fifteenth century up until the present day. All are welcome and entry is free. For more information, call 055294764.
