Florence Celebrates San Giovanni with Four Days of Music, Sports, and Fireworks

From June 21 to 24, 2025, Florence honors its patron saint, John the Baptist, with a series of events that blend centuries-old traditions and contemporary culture. The celebrations culminate on the evening of June 24 with the highly anticipated Fochi, the spectacular fireworks show that lights up the Arno and the city’s historic heart from Piazzale Michelangelo.

San Giovanni Battista (Saint John the Baptist) became Florence’s patron saint after the city’s full conversion to Christianity. Chosen for his clarity of teachings and bold character, his feast day has been marked since the 13th century with processions, religious ceremonies, and civic rituals.

Here’s what’s happening in Florence for San Giovanni 2025.

Friday, June 21

• 9:00 PM – Cetilar Run Notturna di San Giovanni (85th edition) A 9.9 km night run starting in Piazza Duomo and winding through the historic city center.
• 9:00 PM – Symphonic Concert At the Sala del Buonumore Pietro Grossi (Conservatorio Cherubini, Piazza delle Belle Arti), a concert by the Conservatory’s Symphony Orchestra and the students of Maestro Alessandro Pinzauti’s conducting class. Admission is free while seats last.

Saturday, June 22

• 11:00 AM – Incoronazione del Marzocco In Piazza della Signoria, the traditional Coronation of the Marzocco with the Historical Parade of the Florentine Republic and the Uffizi flag-throwers.
• 11:30 AM – Premio Corona del Marzocco Ceremony Held in the same square, this award, organized by the Società di San Giovanni Battista, honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in cultural and civic life. This year’s recipients are composer and pianist Giulia Mazzoni and Bernard Dika, spokesperson of the President of Tuscany. The prizes are handcrafted by Florentine goldsmith Paolo Penko.

Monday, June 24 – Feast of San Giovanni

• 8:30 AM – Corteo degli Omaggi (Procession of Tributes) Departing from the new headquarters of the Società di San Giovanni Battista in Piazza De’ Peruzzi, the procession winds through the city center to Piazza della Signoria.
• 9:00 AM – Flag-throwers of the Uffizi Performance in Piazza della Signoria.
• 9:30 AM – Procession of the Candle Offering The ceremonial procession moves to Piazza del Duomo.
• 10:00 AM – Display of the Reliquary and Crosses of San Giovanni In front of the Loggia del Bigallo, followed by the traditional offering of candles to the Archbishop and the Cathedral Chapter, inside the Baptistery.
• 10:30 AM – Solemn Mass in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Attended by local authorities and the San Giovanni Deputation, with the symbolic presentation of the Cross of San Giovanni to the Archbishop.
• 5:00 PM – San Giovanni Rowing Challenge (Palio Remiero) Held at the Società Canottieri Firenze on the Lungarno Anna Maria de’ Medici.
• 9:00 PM – San Giovanni Night on Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia A musical interlude by the Clem Saxophone Quartet in collaboration with the Cherubini Conservatory. Reserved seating available with a minimum donation of €20 to the Società di San Giovanni Battista (invitation to be picked up in Piazza De’ Peruzzi 3).
• 10:00 PM – Fochi di San Giovanni (Fireworks Show) The city’s most iconic event, launched from Piazzale Michelangelo, concludes the festivities with a breathtaking display visible from across Florence.

As always, the festivities for San Giovanni offer a unique opportunity to experience Florence’s historical and cultural identity in one of the city’s most cherished traditions.