BUTTERFLIES/ Lepidoptera, nel Mondo delle Farfalle
Until December 8
Colour and wonder
Something colourful is coming to Florence. Marvel at the magic of hundreds of butterflies fluttering together in an astonishing house. Whether you’re an enthusiast or simply curious, this is a display of beauty and nature unlike any other. Entrance 7 euro, reduced price 6 euro. See more at www.lepidoptera.it.
Istituto Don Orione, via Capo di Mondo 34, Florence
NORDIC CINEMA/ Una Finestra sul Nord
November 29 to December 1
The festival will have an environmental focus
The Finestra sul Nord (“Window on the North”) festival is dedicated to Nordic cinema, with a particular focus on environmental issues. Films include Aurora by Miia Tervo, a comedy set in the northern suburbs in the magical Lapp winter, and Amatörer directed by Gabriela Pichler, set in the small town of Lafors, hoping to revive its stagnant economy by attracting the attention of a German discount chain. Documentaries on the climate crisis will also be shown, as well as a special screening for schools, teaching us about what we can do for the future right now. Information on ticket prices and the full programme can be found here. 50 cent from each ticket sold will support an energy efficiency project in Mozambique, developed by the Carbonsink company. Films will be shown with Italian and English subtitles. A number of other events will also take place as part of the programme: November 29 sees a free-admission festive concert take place at 9pm at Santi Michele e Gaetano church (piazza degli Antinori 1) with music by Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Handel and more. A free guided tour of the Sustainable Thinking exhibition at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum (piazza Santa Trinita) will take place at 11.30am on November 30. Reservation required at unafinestrasulnord.firenze@gmail.com.
Cinema la Compagnia, via Camillo Cavour 50R, Florence
CRAFTS/ Etsy, Made Local Italy
November 30-December 1
Local crafts and artisan products
The Christmas market organized by Toscana Handmade features 40 artisans, local designers and artists who are part of the Etsy community. With a wide selection of illustrations, graphics, textiles, ceramics, household items and jewellery, it’s the perfect opportunity to find a unique Christmas gift, all handmade here in Tuscany. Creative workshops provide expert guidance, giving you a skill to take home as well as original purchases. See more details here.
The Student Hotel, viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70, Florence
THEATRE/ Notre Dame de Paris
November 27-December 1
7 shows take place over 2 days
Enthralling audiences, Notre Dame de Paris is the masterly adaption of the novel by Victor Hugo. An exceptional cast complete with dancers and acrobats thrills with choreography by Martino Müller, directed by Gilles Maheu. The show has had 283 sold-out hits in 31 cities, garnering prestigious awards. Tickets range from 31 to 91 euro and can be purchased at www.boxofficetoscana.it and www.ticketone.it.
Nelson Mandela Forum, piazza Enrico Berlinguer, Florence
MUSIC/ From Florence to Europe
November 26-30
Classical music in elegant surroundings
Some of the best-known pieces in classical chamber music delight audiences in the Sala Bianca at Palazzo Pitti. Violin virtuosity and heart-stirring music is framed in magnificent surroundings as the Florence to Europe festival sees young and talented musicians perform alongside famous names, supported by the Musica con le Ali Association and the Uffizi Galleries. The full programme can be found at www.uffizi.it. Free entrance to the concerts upon presenting the admission ticket to the museum.
Sala Bianca at Palazzo Pitti, Florence
THEATRE and AIDS AWARENESS/ The boys in the Band
9pm, December 1
Historic play to be performed on World AIDS awareness day, December 1
The Singing Family in collaboration with Florence Queer Festival presents ‘The boys in the band’ on the occasion of World AIDS day. Directed by Giorgio Bozzo and written by the American playwright Mart Crowley, the play was staged for the first time in New York in 1968 and was considered a milestone in the history of theatre as it was the first gay themed comedy written for the general public. Set in a two-storey apartment in New York, a group of friends organize a birthday part for 32 year old Harold, hilarity ensues. Tickets cost 20 euro and can be purchased online at Boxoffice Toscana and Ticketone. As part of the events to mark World AIDS day, there will be a ‘Know your status’ event in piazza Sant’Ambrogio from 7.30 to 11pm with entertainment, music, and HIV/HCV testing services. For more info on other events to mark this important day of awareness, see here.
Teatro Puccini,
via delle Cascine, 41, Florence
FESTIVE/ Christmas markets
This year’s lights along via Tornabuoni / ph. @marcobadiani
Find a list of the festive markets and the best events of the holiday season here.
