Feast of Saint John the Baptist (Patron Saint of Florence)
On June 24th, Florence celebrates its Patron Saint with historical pageants, the Calcio Storico Fiorentino, a rowing regatta, and the traditional fireworks over the Arno.
About Feast of Saint John
The Feast of the Patron Saint of Florence
June 24th is the most significant day of the year for Florence: the city celebrates Saint John the Baptist, its Patron Saint since the Middle Ages. This is not merely a religious observance, but a day that embodies the very soul of the Tuscan capital, where tradition, faith, historical re-enactment, and popular celebration merge into a packed program spanning the entire historic center, from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Signoria, reaching the Lungarni and Piazza Santa Croce.
A multi-day calendar
The festivities do not end on June 24th: in the preceding days, the city comes alive with the Notturna di San Giovanni, a historic night run through the heart of Florence, the Coronation of the Marzocco in Piazza della Signoria featuring the Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic and the Bandierai degli Uffizi, as well as various exhibitions and cultural initiatives. The events are managed by the Società di San Giovanni Battista, an association active for over two centuries, in collaboration with the City of Florence and with the support of the Fondazione CR Firenze, which has provided the final fireworks display for over ninety years.
The Calcio Storico Fiorentino
The beating heart of the festival is the Calcio Storico Fiorentino, an ancient game that pits the city's four quarters against each other: the Verdi (Greens) of San Giovanni, the Rossi (Reds) of Santa Maria Novella, the Azzurri (Blues) of Santa Croce, and the Bianchi (Whites) of Santo Spirito. Piazza Santa Croce is transformed into an arena covered in a thick layer of sand, recreating the Renaissance playing field. The final is traditionally held on June 24th, the day of the Patron Saint.
The rowing Palio and the Fochi
In the afternoon, the Arno River takes center stage with the San Giovanni Rowing Palio, a regatta organized by the Società Canottieri Firenze along the Lungarno Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici. At nightfall, the festival reaches its climax with the Fochi di San Giovanni, the fireworks display that illuminates the sky above the Arno, drawing thousands of Florentines and visitors to the riverbanks.
A symbol of Florentine identity
The Feast of Saint John is much more than just a date on the calendar: it is a hallmark of the identity of Florence, the Province of Florence, and all of Tuscany. An event that unites the local community and recounts, through its rituals, centuries of history of the Florentine Republic.
Feast of Saint John — edition 2026
In 2026, the festivities for the Patron Saint of Florence take on special significance: the Società di San Giovanni Battista celebrates its 230 years of activity (1796-2026). The program opens on June 15th and continues until the grand finale on June 24th, with events spread throughout the historic center.
Among the anniversary novelties is the '230' exhibition at the Museo de' Medici (via degli Alfani 39), open from June 15th, featuring historical documents and the restoration of the 1928 terracotta statue of the Patron Saint.
Programme Feast of Saint John 2026
From Monday, June 15th
- '230' exhibition at the Museo de' Medici (via degli Alfani 39): historical documents and restoration of the 1928 terracotta statue of the Patron Saint. Open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th - Calcio Storico, semi-finals
- Piazza Santa Croce: Rossi of Santa Maria Novella vs Verdi of San Giovanni, and Bianchi of Santo Spirito vs Azzurri of Santa Croce.
Saturday, June 20th, 9:00 PM
- Notturna di San Giovanni (86th edition): night run starting from Piazza del Duomo, with a route through the historic center.
Sunday, June 21st, 11:00 AM
- Coronation of the Marzocco in Piazza della Signoria with the Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic and the Bandierai degli Uffizi; presentation of the Marzocco Crown Award.
Tuesday, June 24th - Patron Saint's Day
- 8:30 AM - Procession of Tributes and Candles (from Piazza de' Peruzzi towards Piazza della Signoria)
- 9:00 AM - Performance by the Bandierai degli Uffizi in Piazza della Signoria
- 9:30 AM - Offering of Candles to the Duomo
- 10:00 AM - Display of the Reliquary at the Loggia del Bigallo
- 10:30 AM - Solemn Mass in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- 6:00 PM - San Giovanni Rowing Palio at Lungarno Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici (organized by Società Canottieri Firenze)
- 6:00 PM - Final of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino in Piazza Santa Croce
- 8:30 PM - Musical entertainment at Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia
- 10:00 PM - Fireworks (Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia / Piazzale Michelangelo)
Highlights Feast of Saint John 2026
Prices Feast of Saint John 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint John
When
The festivities take place in the second half of June, with the main day being June 24th, the feast of the Patron Saint. This date is a public holiday in Florence.
Where
Events are spread across the historic center: Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Croce (Calcio Storico), and the Lungarni (Rowing Palio and Fireworks).
How to get there
Florence is served by the Santa Maria Novella station, reachable by high-speed trains from Rome, Bologna, and Milan. Amerigo Vespucci Airport is connected to the city center by tram. The historic center is largely pedestrianized: everything is easily accessible on foot.
Tips
For the fireworks, it is advisable to arrive well in advance at the Lungarni or Piazzale Michelangelo, which are popular panoramic viewpoints. During the day, traffic restrictions are in force in the center: it is best to get around on foot or by public transport.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint John
Centro storico di Firenze
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze