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Events in Florence and surroundings: detail

From June 24 2008 To June 24 2008

Festival of San Giovanni and Historic Florentine Soccer

Every year, on 24 June, Florence celebrates the feast of its patron, San San Giovanni, with a series of exhibitions that involve the entire city.

On the morning of 24 June, a Historic Parade wends its way from Piazza Signoria to the Baptistery of the Cathedral with an offering of candles for the patron. A solemn mass follows with the showing of the Saint's relics.

One of the most popular events linked to the Feast of San Giovanni is the Calcio in Costume, also known as "historic Florentine soccer," which is held in Piazza Santa Croce. Historic Florentine Soccer is a violent version of medieval soccer; if compared to contemporary sports, it would be considered a mix of wrestling, rugby and soccer. It was probably invented in military encampments where the soldiers rested between battles, in order to practice and stay in shape.

Four teams from the largest neighborhoods of Florence challenge each other in three games, ande the final naturally on 24 June. After a long parade from Santa Maria Novella to Piazza Santa Croce, presided over by nobles on horseback, the game begins with the cry, "Viva Firenze!". The game is one hour of constant fighting, attacks, brawling and tangling of bodies dressed in 16th-century costumes.

At the conclusion, on the evening of the 24th, there is a traditional fireworks display in Piazzale Michelangelo called fuochi di San Giovanni (St John's fireworks), which draws a huge crowd, especially concentrated on the Lungarni (Arno river promenades).