ARTISAN / Artigianato e Palazzo May 14–17, 10am–9pm Corsini Gardens, via della Scala 15, Florence More info
This annual market-showcase presents the crème de la crème of local, national and international craftsmanship. In the lush Corsini Gardens, Artigianato e Palazzo will spotlight 90 master artisans, many of whom offer live demonstrations of their techniques. This year’s show has a particular focus on applied arts. To view details and purchase tickets, visit the website.
RELAX / Art in the Park May 16, 10am Stibbert Park, via Federigo Stibbert 26, Florence More info Artists of all levels, from seasoned pros to Sunday dabblers, are invited to paint and draw en plein air at the Stibbert Park. Bring your own materials and set up your open-air studio. At 5pm, the museum’s Limonaia will host a pop-up public exhibition of all the work created during the day. The Florentine is a media partner of this event, which is organized by the Angeli del Bello and The Sigh Press, with support from the Stibbert Museum, FROG Architecture, Garden Club Firenze and the City of Florence. The event is free and open to all, but booking is required by email: incontri.stibbert@gmail.com.
CULTURE / Amico Museo May 16–June 2 Various museums in Florence and Tuscany More info The annual AmicoMuseo offers family activities, special events and guided visits. A major highlight is the Europe-wide Night at the Museum on May 16, during which many museums in Florence and around Tuscany will offer free entry and extended evening hours! For further details and all participating venues, see the link at left.
JAVA / Pausa Caffè FestivalMay 20–22, from 10amPiazza Santa Maria NovellaMore info
Get your espresso fix in the shadow of Santa Maria Novella! Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just appreciate a piping hot pick-me-up, the Pausa Caffè Festival offers the perfect excuse to take a well-deserved break from the daily ‘grind’ (get it?). Watch baristas battle it out in cappuccino art competitions or participate in workshops to hone your coffee-making craft. For details, check out www.pausacaffefestival.it.
DIALOGUES / Festival delle Religioni May 15–17 Various Florence venues including Santa Croce, Odeon Cinehall, Biblioteca delle Oblate and more More info
Following the May 12 inauguration of the Festival delle Religioni, Florence will host three more days of lively intercultural and interfaith dialogues on pressing issues of our time. The second edition will gather prominent contemporary philosophers and members of different faith communities, all with extremely varied theological and social views. Some of the most highly anticipated events in the lineup will be a talk on the mafia and the Church, and another conference on religious instruction in Italian schools. For the full program, see the website.
