by Maria
The Rificolona Festival, celebrated on the evening of September 7th, dates back to the 17th century. Originally, it was a religious event honoring the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, with farmers and pilgrims from surrounding regions traveling to Florence for the celebrations. They would arrive in the city before dawn, carrying lanterns to light their way and selling their wares at the market the next day. Over time, this tradition evolved into a joyful festival, where Florentines of all ages participate in a parade of colorful lanterns, known as “rificolone.”
The heart of the Rificolona Festival is the lantern parade. As dusk falls, the streets of Florence come alive with thousands of glowing lanterns in all shapes and sizes, crafted by both children and adults. The lanterns are often made from paper and decorated with vibrant colors and patterns, some even shaped like stars, animals, or traditional symbols.
The parade typically starts at , one of the city’s most beautiful squares, and winds its way through the historic center, eventually reaching the Arno Piazza Santissima AnnunziataRiver. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as families, tourists, and locals gather to admire the glowing procession. You’ll hear the joyful sounds of children singing and see them proudly showing off their handmade lanterns, making it a perfect evening for travelers looking to experience authentic Florentine culture.
One of the best things about the Rificolona Festival is that it’s a family-friendly event. If you’re traveling with children, this is a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in local traditions. You can even join in the fun by making your own lantern! Many shops around Florence sell kits with everything you need to create a rificolona, and some even offer workshops where you and your kids can get creative together.
But beware! One of the most playful traditions of the festival involves older children trying to pop others’ lanterns using pea shooters. It’s all in good fun, of course, and adds an element of lively mischief to the festivities.
