
Calcio Storico Fiorentino

Calcio Storico Fiorentino in Florence
The event “Calcio Storico Fiorentino” is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and traditional sporting events in Italy. With a history dating back to the 16th century, it offers spectators a unique blend of sports, culture and history.
Date and venue: Calcio Storico Fiorentino is held annually in the beautiful city of Florence. The exact date may vary from year to year, but the event is traditionally held in the last week of June. This date is of great importance because it falls on St. John, the patron saint of the city. The streets and squares of Florence shine with festive atmosphere at this time, and the Calcio Storico Fiorentino is undoubtedly one of the highlights of these celebrations.
History: The history of Calcio Storico Fiorentino is deeply rooted in the Renaissance. This sport originated in the 16th century and was promoted by the Medici princes to strengthen the fitness and fighting spirit of the citizens of Florence. The word “calcio” means “kick” in Italian, and that’s what this event is all about. The game resembles a mixture of soccer, rugby and wrestling and is played on a sandy pitch.
Program: The Calcio Storico Fiorentino extends over several days and offers visitors a rich program that goes far beyond the actual game. Here are some of the highlights:
1st parade of the teams: On the opening day, the four teams, coming from the districts of San Giovanni, Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito and Santa Croce, march through the city in historical costumes. This colorful parade is an impressive spectacle, where the atmosphere is already heated.
2nd Historical Parade: A parade of historical costumes and floats parades through the streets of Florence, giving spectators a glimpse into the city’s rich past. The participants are proud to represent the history and culture of Florence.
3. the match: the highlight of the event is undoubtedly the actual Calcio-Storico match, which will be played in Piazza Santa Croce. The playing field is covered with sand, and the rules are simple: the goal is to get the ball into the opponent’s goal, and all means are allowed. There are no referees, and the game can get extremely physical. The teams are made up of 27 players from each team, and the excitement is palpable. The event attracts thousands of spectators every year who want to experience the passion and dedication of the players first hand.
4. traditional food and drinks: during the event, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Tuscan food and drinks. From delicious pasta to fine wines, there is an abundance of culinary delights to tantalize the palate.
5. concerts and cultural events: In addition to sports, there are also cultural events such as concerts and theater performances that immerse visitors in the rich culture and art scene of Florence.
6th Fireworks and Closing Ceremony: The Calcio Storico Fiorentino traditionally closes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Arno River. This impressive pyrotechnic spectacle bathes the sky of Florence in a magical light. After the fireworks, the closing ceremony will take place, where the winning team will be honored and the participants will be celebrated for their efforts.
Conclusion: The Calcio Storico Fiorentino is much more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of history, culture and passion that brings together the people of Florence and from all over the world. The exact date of the event in the last week of June, the historical venue in Piazza Santa Croce and the rich program make this event an unforgettable experience. If you have the opportunity, do not miss the Calcio Storico Fiorentino and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of historical calcio. It is an experience that will be remembered for a long time and that has deep roots in the history and culture of the city of Florence.
Photos © shutterstock.com