From March 21-30, over 200 events mark Capodanno Fiorentino, the Florentine New Year on March 25, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when the Church celebrated the Annunciation of the Incarnation received by the Virgin Mary, corresponding to the ninth month before the birth of Jesus, an occasion which was taken by the city as the beginning of the civil calendar. The mascot of the week is Sandro Cleuzo’s illustration of the Marzocco, the lion of Florence, and the historic doors and the David on piazzale Michelangelo turn red given the dedication to the red lily, the symbol of Florence. Here’s our pick from the busy calendar of events.
Culture and crafts
On March 29+30, piazza del Carmine in the Oltrarno hosts artisanal excellence as part of days dedicated to celebrating local craftsmanship, titled Firenze in Arte. With the aim of involving both locals and international visitors in celebrating Florentine craftsmanship, booths display the creations by each artisan and offer the chance for visitors to dive deeper into learning about the work involved. Taking place from 10am to 8pm on both days, expect live demonstrations, workshops, historical re-enactments, and creative spaces where artisans present and share their works, organized by CNA Firenze Metropolitana with Associazione Garbo Firenze and the collaboration of Q1. There’s also attention paid to solidarity and social issues, and entertainment in the form of games and activities for little ones.
From March 21 to 23, piazza Santa Maria Novella fills with stands dedicated to Florentine artistic craftsmanship and agri-food excellence, organized by Confesercenti Firenze and Confartigianato Imprese Firenze.
Typical Florentine songs are performed by the La Pippolese Orchestra in Palazzo Vecchio on March 29.
Find out how much you know about Florence with the fourth edition of the Quiz del Fiorentino. The 10 “truest Florentines” will be invited to Palazzo Vecchio to receive a small gift.
A historic parade reaches piazza Santissima Annunziata at 4pm on March 25, having processed through the streets from Palagio di Parte Guelfa.
A hot air balloon sets off from piazza del Carmine, 230 years after Florentine Giovanni Luder flew for the first time over Florence starting from this very point.
Museum visits and workshops
PHOTO © FABIO MUZZI – 2024
The Musei Civici Fiorentini and MUS.E are offering a series of free visits and activities focusing on “Florentineness” including dedicated workshops for little ones and Heritage Walks that travel from piazza Poggi towards the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.
Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore offers free entry for residents of the metropolitan city of Florence on March 25, with the Giglio Pass granting access to the Baptistry, Santa Reparata and the museum.
The Centro Commerciale Naturale of Manifattura Tabacchi and Cascine Park offers a whole weekend of activities on March 29-30. The range of artisanal, sensorial and traditional initiatives all celebrate Florence from guided tours of the Caveau space to fitness classes and free beauty workshops. There’s even a special brunch to mark the occasion.
Museo Sant’Orsola reopens its doors for free guided tours. The former convent turned tobacco factory is currently undergoing works to become a museum, offering an opportunity to see the site before its new guise is completed. Email info@museosantorsola.it to book your spot.
The Sala d’Arme of Palazzo Vecchio hosts an exhibition titled Tattoo e Fiorentinità by Giacomo del Sala on March 27+28.
Local libraries
The Oblate Library hosts an exhibition titled ‘If you look where you see, Florence is paradise’ from March 19 to April 3, consisting of materials from the library’s historical heritage printed between 1500 and today. To mark DanteDì on March 25, the day honouring Dante Alighieri, a talk at 5pm sees a reading of Canto III of the Inferno. See the full lineup of the various events held at local libraries.
Dine
Binomio at via Jacopo Da Diacceto 20 presents an exclusive menu crafted by chef Donato Volpe, enhancing local culinary traditions as part of the broader initiative promoted by Confesercenti. A fixed price of 35 euro per person includes water, wine and coffee, with the menu featuring treats like Mugello potato tortello with ragù, Peposo del’Impruneta with a side dish of beans all’uccelletto, and Florentine zuccotto.
