ph. Alexandra Korey
TRADITION/RificolonaSeptember 7, 8.15pmStarting point: piazza Santa Felicita
Honoring the birth of the Virgin Mary, the Rificolona Festival is one of Florence’s most beloved folklore processions, moving from Santa Felicita to Santissima Annunziata. The event probably mimics 17th-century farmers’ September journeys to Santissima Annunziata, where they would pay tribute to the Madonna. Contemporary Florence’s families parade through the streets with colorful paper lanterns, creating a spectacle that puts the famous Tangled scene to shame. Lacking lantern supplies or ideas? Get crafty at Giolu (via Romana 135r) or Cartoleria La Scartoffia (piazza Santo Spirito 14r) from 4.30pm–6.30pm on Monday (more info here). Take part in a pre-parade party in piazza del Carmine from 7pm, and head to Santa Felicita before 8.15pm to prepare for the procession.
FOODIE/CookstockSeptember 4–6Town center, Pontassieve
Everyone who knows anything about food in Florence will be exiting east this weekend. With Cookstock, the pretty town of Pontassieve, just 30 minutes from Florence, is set to become the epicentre of the epicurious. Now in its second year and masterminded by food journalist Leonardo Romanelli of Quàlita magazine, the event will feature cooking shows by Tuscany’s top chefs: Andrea Mattei of Borgo Santo Pietro’s Michelin-starred restaurant Meo Modo, Peter Brunel of Borgo San Jacopo and Entiana Osmenzaza of Sesto sull’Arno. Explore the cellars of internationally renowned winery Ruffino, sample local street food and wander the medieval streets of the Tuscan town, home to Italian PM Matteo Renzi: see if you spot him! Check out cookstock.it for more details.
FESTIVAL/Piazza Party!September 8–11 Piazza della Passera, Florence
Easily one of the most charming corners of central Florence, piazza della Passera kicks off the season with its annual series of September events. It all starts with the second edition of PPPP_LaPasseraPoesia/PerformanceInPiazza, a poetry-performance fest featuring slams (Tuesday, 9pm) and a tribute to American poet and writer Anne Sexton (Wednesday, 9pm). The fun continues with jazz, funk and hip-hop tunes throughout the week. Locales will leave their doors open, adding to the convivial, community vibe. For more information, email info@settembreinpiazzadellapassera.com or head here.
CONTEMPORARY/Open Studios September 5, 5pm–midnight Villa Romana, via Senese 68, Florence
Spice up your Saturday with a visit to Villa Romana’s colorful Open Studios series, spotlighting a range of artwork from this year’s fellows. Since the dawn of the 20th century, the arts hub has played host to all forms of creative expression, offering an antidote to stuffy ‘academy’ cultures. The 2015 fellows’ artwork varies from installations and video to performance art and painting. After you’ve checked out their catalogs, enjoy concerts from P.O.R.S.C.H.E. and Sulki. For a list of all participating artists, visit Villa Romana’s website.
HERITAGE/Jewish FlorenceUntil September 6 Florence Synagogue, via Farini 6
Synagogues and Hebrew communities across the continent are preparing to celebrate the 16th European Day of Jewish Culture, and Florence has been named the official capital of the 2015 festivities. Throughout the week, flash mobs and parades will break out on Florence’s bridges. Follow the Facebook pages Firenze Siamo Noi and Balagàn Café to stay in the loop on starting times. On September 5 , the synagogue garden will host a multimedia presentation of Florence’s Jewish history (in Italian). Activities culminate on September 6 with a full day of guided visits, music and foodie fun: highlights include an 11.30am concert on the synagogue steps, a 12.30pm kosher feast, and a 7.30pm apericena; the grand finale is a 9pm concert by Israeli band A-WA. For more information, see the ucei.it/giornatadellacultura and moked.it/jewishflorence.
