ART/Picasso
Sept 20, 2014–Jan 25, 2015
Palazzo Strozzi, Florence
With some 90 paintings, the exhibition Picasso and the Spanish Modernity offers an opportunity to reflect on Picasso’s influence and to compare his work to that of other important twentieth-century Spanish artists. For families with children ages 7 to 12, the Strozzi’s I am Picasso special tours every Sunday (from 10.30am to 12.30pm) encourage children to discover the life and work of the painter. For more information, see www.palazzostrozzi.org.
FLUFFY FLORENCE/TF Pillow Fight!
September 24, 6.30pm
Piazza del Duomo, Florence
Take part in what’s shaping up to be Italy’s biggest ever pillow fight! The Florentine is teaming up with boutique bedding store Piumini Danesi to shake things up in the cathedral square. Plus, pillow fighting in the shadow of Brunelleschi’s dome is sure to be the perfect photo op. Bring friends, blow off some steam and enjoy some light refreshments afterwards. Meet in the piazza on the side between the bell tower and the dome, but be sure to arrive early to claim your pillow (or you can bring your own!): Piumini Danesi will guarantee enough for the first 30 arrivals. Email redazione@theflorentine.net for more information.
FANTASTICAL/Cirk Fantastik!
September 18–28
Parco dell’Anconella, via Villamagna, Florence
The circus is coming to town! With acts from various Italian and international companies, including theatre, acrobatics, music and dance, the shows promise to range from the beautiful to the hilarious, the mind boggling to the thought provoking. Many events especially for children. More information at http://cirkfantastik.blogspot.it.
WHITE DINING/Cena Bianca
September 19
7.30pm, piazzale Michelangelo, Florence
Don your white attire and head to piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a white dinner! Bring your own dinner, white plate, cutlery, glass cup (no plastic!) and any other white accessories you wish. Find your spot at the elegant white tables and enjoy an evening of food, live music and a few surprises. Reserve your spot by emailing produzione@ventilucenti.it. More info at www.ventilucenti.it.
RUN/Corri la Vita
September 28
Historic centre of Florence
Run or walk to help in the fight against cancer. The 13km run/5km walk for charity leaves from piazza del Duomo at 9.30am, and the course takes participants through the gardens of Palazzo Vivarelli Colonna and Palazzo Rospigliosi. Participants wearing the official t-shirt can then visit Forte Belvedere, the Ferragamo Museum, Stibbert Museum and Palazzo Strozzi for free! Register online at www.corrilavita.it (pre-registration is required).
ELECTRO/Nextech Festival
September 11–13
Piazza del Carmine, 14, Viper Theatre and Fortezza da Basso, Florence
With electro beats late into the night, this three-day festival is sure to keep your feet tapping to music from some of the top international electronic artists, among them Noisia, Ben Sims and Furtherset. Lovers of techno won’t want to miss out! Visit www.nextechfestival.com for tickets and details.
COUNTRY/Expo Rurale Toscana
September 18–21
Cascine Park, Florence
‘Visit’ rural Tuscany when the countryside comes to the city for four days. Head over to Cascine Park and see farm animals, including cows, bulls, donkeys, chickens. Learn about the cheese-making process and the importance of fish and the Tuscan sea, plus much more. See the full list of events at www.exporurale.it.
DELICIOUS/Fig and truffle fairs
September 2014
Out of Florence: Girone and Prato
Nothing beats a good sagra for a chance to taste local delights, and this September you can enjoy feasts celebrating fresh figs and truffles. Until September 28, head to piazza Pertini in Girone, near Fiesole, to sample truffle delicacies and enjoy the live entertainment; see theflr.net/39rl6q for more information. Until September 14, Prato’s Polisportiva Bacchereto hosts a fig fair, complete with tastings and live music; visit www.bacchereto.it for more.
TUNES/Musical markets
Until September 27
Historic markets of Florence
The city’s historic markets provide the backdrop for a series of concerts for Mercati in Musica, with music ranging from a guitar orchestra to a musical evening with storytelling from Isabel Allende’s books. Free, live evening performances will take place among the market stalls at 9.30pm. On September 17 and 24, enjoy two evenings of musical walks around the city, leaving from piazza del Duomo at 8.30pm. For the full programme, see www.mercatiinmusica.com.
CONTEMPORARY/Contaminatio
September 19–November 15
Studio Marcello Tommasi, via della Pergola, 57, Florence
One of the great names in contemporary art, Ugo Riva, shows his work in the exhibition Contaminatio [Influence]. The focal pieces of the exhibit are 20 paintings from 2011, a series titled Sindrome di Jacopo e Vincent, inspired by the figures of Jacopo Pontormo and Vincent Van Gogh. The main theme of the exhibition is influence, and Riva’s work combines aspects of the two artists’ work, his sources of inspiration. The setting, Studio Marcello Tommasi, is very special indeed: it’s where Cellini crafted his Perseus. See theflr.net/si46qq for more information.
COMING SOON!
BOOKS/Mona Lisa book signing
October 2, 5.30-7.30pm
Paperback Exchange, via delle Oche, 4R, Florence
Pop to the Paperback Exchange for the book signing event with prize-winning author (and Italian knight) Dianne Hales. Free entrance. The Florentine is proud to be a media partner for this unique event. For more information, see www.monalisabook.com or email redazione@theflorentine.net.
