Celebrations of Florence’s patron saint, San Giovanni Battista
June 24th in Florence is one of the most exciting days of the year. It is when Florence floods with celebrations all over town in honor of its patron saint, San Giovanni Battista. Saint John the Baptist has been considered the patron saint of the city since the 6th and 7th centuries, but the first celebration on June 24th is believed to have taken place in the 1200s.
Historically celebrations included lighting large candles that people would transport from the Piazza Signoria, the city’s main political and social square, to the San Giovanni Baptistry in front of the Duomo. Now this tradition occurs only at Easter and today the city celebrates June 24 in more modern ways.
Festivities you will find on June 24th include fireworks over the Arno River, the final game of Calcio Storico (historic game of soccer/football between the four historic quarter of Florence), and a marathon night run through the city to name a few. That weekend also brings in some other festivities including the Nottebianca in the Oltrarno area – where restaurants, museums, churches and other sites are open to the public throughout the night.
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By Admin Apartments Florence (5/24/2011 12:45:53 PM, in Life & Culture, read 421 times)
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