San Giovanni in Florence more magical than ever

Monday 24 June a day of events with the parade and fireworks

Florence’s patron San Giovanni (St John) is commemorated in the city on 24 June. Like any ancient religious festival, the celebrations are a mixture of sacred and secular, and the day has become an occasion of collective recreation for citizens and tourists alike.

san giovanni firenze

Morning: Ceremony of the Candles

The celebrations begin in the morning, starting at 8:30 a.m., when the Corteo degli Omaggi parades through the streets of the center. It leaves from Via Folco Portinari to head to Piazza Duomo, where it joins the Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic. The costumed figures then arrive in Piazza della Signoria for the presentation of the Cross of St. John to the mayor. At 9:00 a.m. in Piazza della Signoria there is a performance by the Bandierai degli Uffizi. At 10:00 a.m. at the Loggia del Bigallo the Ostension of the Reliquary of the Society of St. John the Baptist and the Crosses of St. John returns for the first time after the pandemic and restoration work performed by Montedomini. At 10:30 a.m. in Santa Maria del Fiore there is a solemn mass in honor of the patron saint.

Corteo di San Giovanni

Evening: the ‘Fochi’

The evening begins at 9 p.m. with a concert by the Banda Musicale della Polizia di Stato on Lungarno della Zecchia Vecchia. From 10 p.m. begins the fireworks display that has illuminated the Florentine night of San Giovanni for centuries. The Fochi are detonated from Piazzale Michelangelo, making them visible from many points in the city. The best places from which to enjoy the show in the city are the Lungarni, but also the restaurants and winebars with terraces located atop palaces and hotels in the historic center. Alternatively, get to Fiesole, on the hill to the northeast of Florence, and enjoy the spectacle a bit more from a distance. Find out all the places to see them here.

fireworks of san giovanni

Alternatively, head to Fiesole, on a hill to the north-east of the city, and watch the fireworks from a little further away. Just one piece of advice: from late afternoon, the traffic around Piazzale Michelangelo and other central areas is affected, and some streets closed. So we recommend getting around on foot or, if you’re travelling by car, avoid the area.

Finally, the San Giovanni Trophy is held on June 27 at the Florence Rowing Society, a regatta between eight-oared boats from as many nations in mixed crew 4 women and 4 men over a distance of 500 meters. Grand finale at sunset to declare the winners.