Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) (Easter Sunday (date varies, March–April)). A 600-year-old tradition in which a decorated ox-drawn cart packed with fireworks is ignited by a mechanical dove released from the altar of the Duomo during Easter Mass in Piazza del Duomo. Tradition rooted in the…
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (Late April through June (annually)). Italy's oldest and Europe's second-oldest music festival (after Salzburg), founded 1933 by Vittorio Gui. Annual arts festival featuring opera, ballet, and concerts under Opera di Firenze at the Teatro del Maggio.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino (June (semifinals mid-June; final 24 June)). A centuries-old brutal sport combining elements of football, rugby, and wrestling, played in full Renaissance costume in Piazza Santa Croce. The final falls on 24 June, feast day of Saint John the Baptist (Florence's…
Festa della Rificolona (Lantern Festival) (7 September (annually)). A traditional lantern procession dating to the mid-17th century held on the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Children and adults parade colourful handmade paper lanterns through the city centre, starting at…