Celebrating San Giovanni in Florence Italy

Sometime in the 6th century, the city of Florence replaced their first patron, or protector (God Marte), with San Giovanni Battista (John the Baptist) In honor of their patron saint, Florence puts on an annual four-part celebration for residents and tourists alike each June 24th. The day’s events include a parade, a particularly violent soccer match, a flag waving show and finally fireworks!

The Parade: Piazza della Signorina is great place to watch the day’s commencing activity. There you can view the fabulous display of participants dressed head to toe in 15th-century garb. The colorful and ornate attire is a tribute to the Florentine aristocratic families, military, tradesmen, musicians, etc.

The Soccer Match: The shirtless, padding-free players are revealed towards the end of the procession. The game, known to the Italians as calcio storico, takes place in a makeshift arena constructed for the occasion in Piazza Santa Croce. The historical game, a traditionally aggressive one, used to have only one rule—it was prohibited to kick an unconscious player in the head. In 2006, a few safety rules were instated after one player’s ear was ripped off during the match.

The Flag Show: Once the parade makes its way back to Piazza della Signoria, the flag throwing, waving, and catching takes place. The spectacle is enhanced with acrobatic stunts preformed by the flag throwers themselves while dressed in authentic, Florentine attire. Crowds of people are entertained with music in the square until night falls over Florence.

The Fireworks: Ponte Santa Trinita is the best place to catch a glimpse of the fireworks over the Arno River. It is by nightfall when the people who have been hiding in their homes in attempt to avoid the crowds give up and emerge from their various domains and finally join the fun. -- Shakira Mongul

I was born and raised in Rome, Italy but having married my wife Elise (from New York) we now reside in Manhattan permanently. I have discovered NEW YORK the way my wife, Elise, has discovered Italy. I am amazed by the energy, pulse and excitement of New York and have found such extraordinary restaurants.... Food is a TOP priority to every Italian man!

New York is such an exciting city which every one should experience at least once in their life. This city is an inspiration for many directors and actors- most often you can see a film or television show being filmed on the streets of Manhattan. You can actually FEEL an unbelievable energy, a unique chaos and confusion from this mind-blowing city-- it is like no other city in the world. As Alicia Keys and Jay Z refer to their song, Empire State of Mind…"it’s a Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do!" You can find every kind of restaurant, culture, store and entertainment (Broadway shows to Nightlife at Exclusive Clubs)... It is a real COSMOPOLITAN city!

I will never forget how stupefied I was seeing such huge, tall skyscrapers upon entering Manhattan for the first time… The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building to the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge-- New York is a town of its own!

My passion for travel and undying love for Italy and New York has now grown into a multi-faceted business which includes: concierge, travel consulting, itinerary planning, photography, and of course sharing my research with you... My wish is for you to visit these magical places- Italy and New York- like a local... No question it will be a life-changing experience with memories of a life time...

And me? Well, someday I hope to publish my travel memoirs, each trip is better than the next! I dream of living out the rest of my life in these wonderful places- New York and Italy...