SKATE/ Florence Ice Village
Until February 29
Feeling like a challenge? Have a go at ice skating on Europe’s longest skating rink in the Fortezza da Basso gardens. The purpose-built 300-metre circular track is ideal for all ages, from ice-skating enthusiasts to those simply happy to slide into the new year. With food stands, music, and even a carousel for kiddies, there’s plenty for those to do on the sidelines or for a post-skate chill. An immersive multimedia Santa experience for little ones (and bigger ones joyful to have the excuse) thrills thanks to Compagnia di Babbo Natale, raising money for the charity Cure2Children, which is dedicated to aiding seriously ill children. Open from 10am to midnight every day until February 29, get on the ice for eight euro for the first hour, five euro for the second, (children six euro with unlimited time) with skates for all ages rentable for two euro. The festive spirit lingers on! Open from 10am to midnight everyday. See the Florence Ice Village FB page for more details.
Vasca della Fortezza,
Fortezza da Basso gardens, Florence
MUSIC/ Tufts Symphony Orchestra
7pm, January 11
Presented by Augustine Noble Ltd, Tufts Symphony Orchestra perform Mendelssohn’s E Minor violin concerto with soloist Sarita Uranovsky, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 under the direction of maestro John Page. One of the oldest collegiate choirs in the United States, the Tufts Symphony Orchestra boasts a wide repertoire. Under John Page’s direction, the orchestra has skillfully performed such symphonies as Mahler’s 1st Symphony and Beethoven Symphony No. 3. Paired with the capabilities of soloist Sarita Uranovsky, an award-winning violinist with several recordings and broadcasts through such outlets as the BBC, the orchestra’s performance will not disappoint. Free entry and open to the public. Reserve a free ticket online to help them know how many people to expect: click here.
FASHION/ Pitti Immagine
January 7–10 + 22–24
A highlight of the international fashion calendar, Pitti Immagine splashes style all over the city. With Fortezza da Basso-based installations such as Land Flag: From Waste to New Materials, a photography exhibition by James Mollison, runways and style galore, Pitti Immagine hosts its usual three trade shows this month with Pitti Uomo, Bimbo and Filati taking place primarily within the walled stronghold. Dedicated to men’s fashion, Pitti Immagine Uomo turns heads as intriguing outfits pop up around town from January 7 to 10. Children’s fashion follows suit between January 16 and 18 and textiles take centre stage from January 22 to 24. The packed programme is available at www.pittiimmagine.com as one of the most fashionable months of the year sashays into Florence.
Various locations
BREW/ Birraio dell’Anno
January 17–19
From pale ales to strong stouts, find your new favourite as craft beers go head to head. Created and organized by Fermento Birra, the festival has been rewarding the best Italian brewers for the last 11 years. 100 Italian experts vote on the 20 Italian breweries competing for the Brewer of the Year award and 5 candidates for the Emerging Brewer award and for the Best Pub, all of which will be presented on January 19 at 4.30pm. As well as the awards, expect talks and free tastings in the beer show area, along with varied street-food vendors vying for your attention, paired with the perfect beer, of course. Unmissable for all craft beer aficionados, the 10 euro daily entrance ticket will score you a glass, two drinks tokens and a much-needed voucher for a bottle of water. Alternatively, a three-day ticket for 15 euro will get you all of the above, plus two more days of fermented fun. Find out more at www.birraiodellanno.it.
TuscanyHall,
via Fabrizio de André, Florence
ICE/ International Skate Awards
January 11–12
Head to the International Skate Awards for impressive acrobatic performances in an unconventional showcase. From soloists to large synchronized groups, the International Skate Awards dazzles with high-impact performances. The best international athletes take place in show competitions, which will have your jaw dropping at the incredible displays. The awards will be presented on January 11 at 9pm. An outstanding musical will be performed at 4pm on January 12, with champion skaters acting, singing and dancing in marvellous choreography with special guests. For the convention’s tenth anniversary, expect all the stops to be pulled out in what’s the biggest global event for artistic roller skating. See www.skate-power.it for more info.
Nelson Mandela Forum,
piazza Enrico Berlinguer, Florence
STYLE/ Vintage Selection
January 22–26
The 35th edition of this vintage marketplace brings back the best and most unique trends of eras gone by. Held alongside the Pitti events, this is a firm favourite for all vintage culture fanatics. You can also expect live music, unusual performances and a great selection of refreshments to make an event out of nostalgic clothes shopping. Bringing together exhibitors and collectors from all over the world, the curious, cool and creative will find plenty of sources for inspiration. Open from 9am to 8pm, admission is 5 euro but reduced price coupons are available online at www.vintageselection.it.
Fortezza da Basso,
viale Filippo Strozzi 1, Florence
PHOTOGRAPHY/ LUDES
7pm, January 8