San Giovanni in Florence more magical than ever
From 21 to 24 June, the heart of Florence lights up with parades, tradition and the famous “Fochi”
From 21 to 24 June 2025, Florence dresses up to honour its patron saint, St. John the Baptist, with a rich calendar of events culminating with the highly anticipated fireworks display of the Fochi di San Giovanni (St. John's Fireworks), scheduled for 24 June at 10 p.m. from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Fuochi San Giovanni 2024 (ph. Stefano Casati)Four days of celebrations in the heart of Florence
The celebrations begin on 21 June with the Cetilar Run Notturna di San Giovanni, a historic night-time running race (9.9 km), starting at 9 p.m. from Piazza Duomo. At the same time, at the Sala del Buonumore Pietro Grossi of the Conservatorio Cherubini (Piazza delle Belle Arti), there will be a concert by the Conservatorio's Symphony Orchestra, with the students of Maestro Alessandro Pinzauti's Conducting class (free admission subject to availability).
Historical ceremonies and awards: 22 June in Piazza della Signoria
On 22 June, at 11 a.m., the Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic and the Bandierai degli Uffizi will animate Piazza della Signoria with the Coronation of the Marzocco. This will be followed by the awarding ceremony of the Corona del Marzocco 2025 Prize, conferred on Giulia Mazzoni, composer and pianist, and Bernard Dika, Ensign of the Republic. The precious crowns are made by the historic Bottega Orafa di Paolo Penko.
Corteo di San Giovanni24 June, St John's Day: tradition, regattas and spectacle
The highlight of the celebrations is 24 June. It starts at 8.30 a.m. with the Homage Procession, departing from the new headquarters of the Society of St John the Baptist (Piazza De' Peruzzi), to Piazza della Signoria. At 9.30 a.m., the Procession of the Offering of the Candles leaves for Piazza del Duomo, where the Ostension of the Reliquary and the offering of the candles to the Archbishop will take place at 10.00 a.m., followed by the solemn Mass in the Cathedral at 10.30 a.m., in the presence of the civil and religious authorities.
At 6.00 pm, space will be given to sport with the Palio Remiero di San Giovanni, organised by the Società Canottieri Firenze, on the stretch of the Arno between Ponte alle Grazie and Ponte Vecchio. A challenge between the city districts, with boats with four rowers and coxswain, accompanied by youth and university regattas.
The Fochi di San Giovanni 2025: the most eagerly awaited show
At 9.00 p.m., on the Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, the wait will be on for the “Fochi di San Giovanni”. The evening will be presented by Giulia Quercioli and Alessandro Masti of Radio Toscana and animated by the Clem Saxophone Quartet of the Conservatorio Cherubini.
At 10.00 p.m., from Piazzale Michelangelo, the great fireworks display will start, organised by the Mazzone company, which has been producing the Fochi for the city for over 40 years. The president of the Società di San Giovanni Battista, Claudio Bini, anticipates: "This year there will be a new pre-opening with visual and acoustic effects, a sequence of ghost peonies, comets, and a tribute to the colour purple. The objective is always the same: to excite the Florentines and surpass the previous year's spectacle'. The best places from which to enjoy the show in the city are the Lungarni, but also the restaurants and winebars with terraces located on top of palaces and hotels in the historic centre. Alternatively, reach Fiesole, on the hill to the north-east of Florence, and enjoy the show a little further afield. Here are all the places to see them in the city. Here are all the places to see them in the city.
fireworks of san giovanniThose who wish can also go to the headquarters of the Society of St John the Baptist (Piazza De' Peruzzi 3) to collect the invitation, with a minimum donation of 20 euros.
