TRICKS/Effimero e Meraviglia
10pm, June 12
Piazza Pitti, Florence
Tastemakers and buyers, fashion giants and victims are the talk of the town each June with the VIP menswear fair Pitti Uomo, now in its 92nd edition. In preparation for the twice-annual invasion of pretty people and paparazzi (June 13-16), the Centro di Firenze per la Moda Italiana will sponsor an elaborate outdoor acrobatic show in piazza Pitti, titled “Meraviglia Water and Flames.” Sit and be spellbound by the elaborate twists and turns of the Sonics acrobat group, an Italian team of gymnasts, acrobats and artisans who have performed all over the world, from Miami to Mumbai. For a full list of Pitti Uomo events—including some open to the public—head here.
DIALOGUE/Glenn Brown. Piaceri Sconosciuti
June 10-October 23
Museo Stefano Bardini, via dei Renai 37, Florence
British artist Glenn Brown is a borrower and inventor—perhaps an “appropriator with permission”—a painter known for unearthing old images and breathing new life into them, from recognizable artworks to rarely-seen characters and landscapes. At once embracing certain painterly conventions and eschewing others, Brown uses images from artistic periods including the Renaissance, Impressionism and Surrealism to compose his works. Fresh off an exhibition at the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam, Brown’s work arrives in Florence for a dialogue with the Museo Bardini’s permanent collection. For additional information, call 055 2342427.
TRADITION/Calcio Storico
June 10, 11 (with final on June 24)
Piazza Santa Croce, Florence
Ph. Rachael Harper
Not for the faint of heart, this history-driven tradition is part ceremony, part sport, part brawl, and 100 percent Florentine. Originating in the 16th century, calcio storico is a brutal form of rugby-football, and fans have fierce loyalty to their neighborhood teams. This year’s matches begin with the Reds of Santa Maria Novella facing off against the Greens of San Giovanni, followed by the Whites of Santo Spirito against the Blues of Santa Croce. Per Renaissance city ritual, the final is set for June 24, the feast day of Saint John the Baptist (San Giovani Battista). Ahead of the matches, an afternoon parade leaves piazza Santa Maria Novella and weaves through downtown to arrive at the pitch in piazza Santa Croce. For ticket information, head here.
CONCERT/Radiohead + James Blake
9pm, June 14
Visarno Arena, viale del Visarno 14, Cascine Park, Florence
A full summer lineup of top-tier acts at the Visarno Arena launches this week with Thom Yorke and company taking to the stage. Radiohead’s English members have been critical darlings since their moody debut single “Creep,” released in 1992, and their album Kid A (2000), while divisive among fans, was named the best of the decade by both Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. Their opener, James Blake, is a fellow Brit who recently released The Colour in Anything. Tickets are still up for sale via BoxOffice Toscana.
TRAVEL/Festival del Viaggio
June 7-11
Various venues in Florence
Wayfarers of the world, unite: Florence’s annual celebration-conference focused on the value of the voyage is back. Festival del Viaggio features poetry readings, book presentations, documentary screenings, debates and more. Kick off your shoes and stroll through the Cascine Park with the barefoot adventurers of the Società Italiana dei Viaggiatori (11.30am, June 11; email viaggi@festivaldelviaggio.it to book), or join French journalist Marie-Pascal Vincent and a Tunisian-Italian speaker for a look at the changing roles of North African women (5.30pm, June 8, French Institute, piazza Ognissanti). For the full program, see the website.
PLUS
Join members of the TF team at the June 13 launch party for Issue 2 of our bilingual literary magazine, The FLR. The Florentine Literary Review, edited by Alessandro Raveggi. The theme this time around is “Desire.”
Pride Park Firenze, a monthlong celebration of LGBTQI culture, kicks off with an opening party on Saturday, June 10 in the Limonaia of Villa Strozzi (9pm-4am). Don’t miss our interview with Valeria Santoni, this year’s main organizer, who outlined the rainbow-hued highlights.
For an out-of-town option (with transport included), and an amazing deal at just 25 euro, check out our June 10 tasting-tour-concert event with Cecchi winery Val delle Rose!
