CULTURE/Japan-a-Mania! November 27–29 Centro Rogers, piazzale della Resistenza, Scandicci
Sample a bit of Japan in Scandicci this weekend at the auditorium of Centro Rogers. Hosted by the cultural association Lailac, this celebration of Japanese culture will feature performances, photography exhibitions and plenty of hands-on activities. Bag some funky finds at a Japanese bazaar, enjoy daily dance performances from the group Manjushka, learn about the art of kimono making, commission some Japanese calligraphy cards or take part in an origami workshop. A must-stop will be the cleverly titled Mangiappone station, where you can try some trademark Japanese street foods. The festival is open from 11am to 8pm for all three days, and entry is free. View program details here.
RUN/Firenze Marathon November 29Starting point Lungarno Pecori GiraldiFinish line in piazza Santa Croce
This 42-kilometer challenge is far from your average footrace, simply by virtue of being in Florence: the route takes runners through the city’s signature landmarks, from piazza della Signoria to the scenic finish line in piazza Santa Croce. Whether you’re a registered athlete who’s been training for months or an eager sideline cheerleader, join The Florentine and our longtime columnist and marathon runner Suzi Jenkins in supporting Meyer, Florence’s children’s hospital, in our Run For Meyer initiative. To donate (or to participate in the marathon as a personal fundraiser), head here. T-shirts are available for a minimum donation of 15 euro from the Paperback Exchange (via delle Oche 4R).
DOCUMENTARY/Festival dei Popoli
November 27–December 4
Odeon Cinehall, piazza Strozzi, Florence
Festival dei Popoli means documentary fever in Florence! This year the international festival’s Mestieri del Cinema series will shine the spotlight on Polish director and photography editor Wojciech Staron through a series of his works. This edition’s Filmmaker in Focus section will be dedicated to Mary Jimenez, a Peruvian director who lives in Belgium and produces primarily autobiographical work. Program highlights include Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown, directed by Oscar winner Alex Gibney and capturing the character of the ‘King of R&B.’ Mick Jagger and members of Public Enemy appear in the film (November 28, 9.30pm). Enjoy another musical evening at Daft Punk Unchained, which looks at the enigmatic electronic group, with cameos from Pharrell Williams and Giorgio Moroder (December 3, 10.30pm). See the full program on the festival website.
SHOP/Flash Sale November 27, 10am–10pm New Kid Studio, via Maggio 15, Florence
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this Friday at New Kid’s open studio sale—or just treat yourself with some wardrobe additions this weekend. This unusual and creative footwear and accessories label based in Florence will open its Oltrarno studio all day long, offering a chance to score deep discounts on some of their statement shoes and sample stock. Though the footwear is mostly for women, many styles are unisex and available in the men’s size range. Everything from the brand is designed and made in Tuscany. As you browse, sip drinks, enjoy snacks and chat with the fun and international team, which includes a few friendly dogs! Learn more about the New Kid label here.
Artwork by Stelle Confuse
CREATIVE/Wao! November 29, 10am–8pm Europa Power Yoga, via della Chiesa 36r, Florence
Head to Europa Power Yoga this Sunday for a colorful Tuscan take on the souq! Get wowed by the full ‘wunderkammer’ of creative and artisanal products for sale, which will include artwork by Apo, James Boy and Stelle Confuse; accessories from MOD; a design and body collection from neighboring Frigolabo, and more. Stay warm with hot teas and delicious soup from the Frigo Food Factory, and stick around toward the end of the serata for a concert from Alessio Ultimarata e L’Animaletto. View more details on the Facebook event.
