June 24th in Florence, Embracing the Fascinating Traditions of St. John’s Day

St. John’s Day in Florence, also known as “Festa di San Giovanni,” is a festive occasion that takes place annually on June 24th. This historic day is celebrated with various traditions that hold significance in the city’s culture and history. From the thrilling Calcio Storico Fiorentino, a unique medieval-style football game, to spectacular fireworks over the Arno River, St. John’s Day in Florence is a time of excitement and revelry. Let’s delve into the rich history and traditions of this special day in the heart of Tuscany.

June 24th – St. John’s Day in Florence

Every year on June 24th, Florence becomes a lively celebration in honor of its patron saint, St. John (known as San Giovanni locally). This day is a literal holiday, with most shops closed, but there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Calcio Storico Fiorentino

Typically on June 24th, Florence hosts the final match of Calcio Storico Fiorentino in Piazza Santa Croce. As the name suggests, Calcio Fiorentino is a unique, historical form of football with medieval roots.

The game is known for being quite rough, with no rules and lots of brute force (players often end the match with bruises and broken bones!). For those brave enough, you can catch the spectacle from the stands, which are usually set up around 5 pm.

Tip: seats for the final sell out early and the stands are not the only way in. Our guide to tickets for Calcio Storico Fiorentino explains how the tournament works, when tickets go on sale and where to buy them.

Netflix has a special documentary about Calcio Storico Fiorentino, and here’s a trailer (in Italian!):

Here’s an English video about Calcio Storico Fiorentino:

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Fireworks

Around 8 pm, head to the Arno river near the Ponte Vecchio to secure a prime spot for the fireworks show that begins around 10 pm (since it’s summertime!). Check out the photo below that I snapped from the S. Trinità Bridge in 2006.

What to do during the day

During the day, you can visit a museum like the Galleria dell’Accademia, which showcases Michelangelo’s original David and is open from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

You can book a city tour in Florence through Get Your Guide, or visit Palazzo Medici Riccardi if you have more time.

June is the right month for the gardens, and they are the easiest plan on a day when most shops are shut. Three of them are worth the walk.

The Boboli Gardens open every day at 8:15 am and, in June, stay open until 7:10 pm. The one catch is that Boboli closes on the first and last Monday of each month, so check which Monday you are dealing with before you go.

Villa Bardini and its gardens follow the same rule, open daily from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm and closed on the first and last Monday of the month. The terrace has one of the best views over the city, and far fewer people than Piazzale Michelangelo.

The Giardino dei Semplici, the university botanical garden, opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm between June and August. It closes on Mondays, and it is the quietest of the three.

St. John’s Day is a city holiday, so opening hours can shift on June 24th itself. It is worth a quick check on the day before you plan around them.

If you’re planning a trip to Florence, be sure to research hotels ahead of time.

What do you plan on doing for St. John’s Day?