On Wednesday, June 24, locals in Florence celebrated the Feast of St. John (Festa di San Giovanni). This holiday is celebrated in Tuscany and commemorates the birth of Saint John the Baptist. St. John is the patron saint of the city of Florence, so this day is particularly special to the city. It is celebrated by holding a special mass in the honor of St. John. There is a parade through the city and a Renaissance era football match with teams representing the four main churches in Florence. The day ends with a nighttime fireworks display over the Arno River.

---

Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Florence University of the Arts