HISTORY
The tradition of the fireworks display, which is known as the Fochi di San Giovanni, dates back to ancient times to a pagan festival that celebrated the summer solstice with the lighting of bonfires in Piazza Duomo, in Piazza della Signoria and above the Gates of the city walls. In the 13th century, with the discovery of gunpowder, the bonfires were replaced by fireworks, which became increasingly spectacular over time.

WHERE AND WHEN
The first firework will be set off at 10 pm, from Piazzale Michelangelo, lighting up the Poggi Ramps, the Tower of San Niccolò, and the Zecca riverfront, where seating is set up to admire the spectacle: a 40-minute show, building up an increasingly dazzling fireworks display that gets bigger and faster over the course of the show.

OTHER EVENTS ON JUNE 24th

• 8:30 am: Processional through the streets of the historic centre to Palazzo Vecchio for the presentation of the Cross of St. John the Baptist to the mayor of the city
• 9:30 am: Parade with the Gonfalone, the Banner of Florence
• 10 am: Offering of candles in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and celebration of the Holy Mass in honour of the Patron Saint
• 4 pm: Historical procession in period costumes, from Piazza Santa Maria Novella to Piazza Santa Croce
• 6 pm: Final match of the Calcio Storico, Florence’s historic football game, in Piazza Santa Croce
• 6:30 pm: The Palio Remiero, a traditional Florentine rowing event between crews from the different historic quarters of the city

(photo: Mauro Siani)