MOVEMENT/ 32nd Florence Dance Performing Arts Festival
June 26-July 29
Aterballetto, June 30. Ph/ Roulum Studio
Future Perfect 2: la potenza in atto is the title of the 32nd edition of the festival focused on the graceful and dramatic movements of some of Florence’s best dancers. The remarkable choreography is enhanced by the centuries of cultural heritage surrounding it, with a unique circular stage set to create a spectacular viewing experience. 20 performances of dance, music, opera and theatre dazzle in this immersive project that involves star performers from Italian dance schools, such as Kinesis U25 and FloDance 2.0. Highlights include a striking performance on June 26 in honour of Leonardo-Il Visionario, choreographed by Marga Nativo with music by Stefano Burbi, while a vibrant Dante-dedicated performance on June 28 blends multimedia, dance and music in an impactful work titled Dante, Orpheus and The Khthónios Journey. On June 30, spectacular dancers from the National Dance Foundation/Aterballetto, perform Storie, choreographed by Diego Tortelli and Philippe Kratz. Tickets are available online.
Cloister of the Santa Maria Novella complex,
Florence
FASHION/ Pitti 100
June 30-July 2
Top marks for this fashion fest as it celebrates its 100th edition of the Uomo, Filati and Bimbo exhibition formats. The milestone edition places the number 100 at its centre, both to celebrate the occasion and, when inverted to become 001, to view it as a symbol of a new beginning. A digital preview of the collections is already available for exhibitors, buyers and press on the Pitti Connect platform, which is enriched with a wealth of fashion-related content. Enjoy the textiles in person from June 30-July 2 with special guest South African designer Thebe Magugu. As part of Pitti Filati, Vintage Selection returns to Stazione Leopolda within the Alcatraz space from 9am-6pm on June 28 and 29, and 9am to 4pm on June 30. Make sure to get out and about in the centre during these days as you’re bound to catch sight of some spectacular ensembles.
Fortezza da Basso,
viale Filippo Strozzi 1, Florence
CELEBRATE/ Festa di San Giovanni
From June 24
Corona del Marzocco by Penko to celebrate St. John
In honour of Florence’s patron saint San Giovanni Battista (St. John the Baptist), the city comes together to celebrate. While the usual fireworks display will not be taking place this year as in 2020, there are still plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Find the line-up of what’s happening here.
KINDNESS/ Festival dell’Italia Gentile
June 30 to July 4
Events focused on spreading kindness
The Tuscan capital will host the first edition of the 4-day festivities celebrating kindness. The events mark the signing of the “Manifesto delle Città Gentili”, a project by the national Italia Gentile movement and My Life Design ONLUS. The days signify the start of serious efforts to bring about a kinder society, and a deepening of values such as optimism, gratitude, joy and forgiveness across diverse fields. The idea was formed during the first lockdown, inspired by the book “Biology of Kindness”, co-written by Daniel Lumera and Immaculata De Vivo (both will be present during the festival). MUS.E, the Municipality of Florence and TuttoèVita ONLUS Association are also involved in the events series that will take place across Palazzo Vecchio, Museo Novecento and the Complex of Santa Maria Novella.
FILM/ African Diaspora Cinema Festival
June 23-26
Founded in 2013 by director Fide Day, the festival seeks “to overcome cultural hierarchies and geographical limits often implied in terms such as ‘African film’ or ‘African cinema'”. 15 films were chosen from 110 works by directors based in Africa, or the global diaspora. A wide-range of themes and styles prompt discussion and begin a process of change. Villa Romana (Via Senese 68) will be the site for most of the screenings, accompanied by talks and live concerts. Also forming part of the line-up, ADCF collaborates with the Fondazione Stensen to screen two films outdoors at Manifattura Tabacchi on June 26. Free entry.
