As the Christmas lights come on around the city, details for Florentine New Year’s Eve are trickling in. Among the first city-backed events announced was the main concert in piazzale Michelangelo, which will feature singer-songwriter and X Factor alum Marco Mengoni.
But Florence’s most famous overlook won’t hog all the fun. Piazza(s) del Carmine, San Lorenzo and Signoria will be the main pre-midnight hubs downtown, while piazza Bartali and piazza dell’Isolotto will be the sites of official fuori centro festivities – involvement of suburbs is a new addition this NYE.
Pick your piazza based on your music taste. The customary classical concert by the Orchestra da Camera Toscana will take place in piazza della Signoria (what stage could be more elegant than the Loggia dei Lanzi?) Gospel tunes put on by the Music Pool association will liven up piazza San Lorenzo, while jazz and be-bop sounds courtesy of Musicus Concentus will entertain crowds in piazza del Carmine. Kid-friendly fun will take place in piazza dell’Isolotto until the late afternoon, with entertainment and music provided by La Scena Muta; a more parent-geared program of folk and swing music will run until after midnight. Over in Gavinana, it’s all about the circus: count down to midnight in the company of jugglers, stilt walkers, ventriloquists and other performers.
There is no cost for admission to these official events.
Check this article frequently in the lead up to the big night – we’ll update it as more announcements are made.
