Florentine New Year: guided visits, historic parade and events on 24–25 March 2026

Florence will host a dense programme of cultural events on 24 and 25 March 2026 as part of the Settimana del Fiorentino, combining art, science, local traditions and public celebrations linked to the city’s historic calendar, which sets the New Year on the Feast of the Annunciation.

24 March: museums, walks and evening dinners

Among the main highlights on 24 March is the extraordinary opening of the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, one of the oldest artistic institutions in Europe, founded in 1563 under Cosimo I de’ Medici and Giorgio Vasari. The academy, in Via Orsanmichele, will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with free entry subject to capacity.

The programme also includes a guided visit to the Museo di Storia Naturale “La Specola” at 2.30 p.m., offering access to one of Europe’s oldest scientific museums, known for its zoological collections and anatomical wax models.

In the afternoon, a photographic walk in the Giardino delle Rose (3 p.m.) will focus on landscape and visual storytelling, while Palazzo Vecchio will host guided routes and visits to the archaeological remains of ancient Florentia.

Other activities include guided visits to the AquaFlor atelier in Borgo Santa Croce, dedicated to Florence’s tradition of artistic perfumery, and a public conference at the Biblioteca delle Oblate on the origins of the Roman city.

Throughout the day, the Cassettai Storici Fiorentini will be present between Piazza San Giovanni and Piazza della Signoria, distributing traditional handmade soaps known as “Florentina” together with postcards about the Florentine New Year.

The evening will feature the Cenone di Capodanno Fiorentino at 8 p.m. at the Torrino di Santa Rosa, alongside a “diffused” dinner initiative across participating restaurants in the city. 

25 March: the Florentine New Year between tradition and public events

The main celebrations take place on 25 March, the historic New Year’s Day in Florence, with a programme that combines institutional events, public initiatives and traditional rituals across the city. 

One of the central moments is the Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina, departing at 4 p.m. from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa and arriving in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. The parade recreates historical costumes and symbols of the former Florentine Republic and concludes with a tribute at the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata, linked to the religious origin of the celebration.

Earlier in the day, Piazza Santissima Annunziata will host the traditional Capodanno Fiorentino fair (8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.), with market stalls, local products and historical reenactments.

Several cultural initiatives are scheduled throughout the day:

• A conference at Palazzo Medici Riccardi (10 a.m.) on the restoration of the building’s façades
• Guided visits to the complex of Santa Maria degli Angeli (morning and afternoon), concluding with the inauguration of an exhibition dedicated to Claudia de’ Medici at 5 p.m.
• The presentation of a restored sculpture from Sesto Fiorentino at the Conventino Fuori le Mura (12 p.m.)
• Openings and visits to historic sites including the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno and the Oratorio dei Vanchetoni

The Museo della Misericordia, in Piazza del Duomo, will also offer a special opening with free entry for Florentine residents.

In parallel, workshops and activities linked to traditional crafts will continue, including visits to the Galleria Michelangelo leather workshop and the presence of the Cassettai Storici Fiorentini across different locations.

The programme also includes contemporary initiatives such as a public discussion on housing and urban transformation at the Manifattura Tabacchi, networking events for international students, and a community clean-up activity in the Cascine area.

Practical information

24 March

• Accademia delle Arti del Disegno: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. / 2 p.m.–5 p.m., Via Orsanmichele 4, free entry (limited capacity)
• La Specola Museum guided visit: 2.30 p.m., Via Romana 17, booking recommended
• Photographic walk, Giardino delle Rose: 3 p.m., booking recommended ([email protected])
• Palazzo Vecchio activities: morning and early afternoon, booking required
• AquaFlor atelier visits: 10.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m., booking required
• Cassettai Storici Fiorentini: all day, Piazza San Giovanni–Piazza della Signoria
• Cenone at Torrino Santa Rosa: 8 p.m.

25 March

• Florentine New Year fair, Piazza SS. Annunziata: 8 a.m.–7.30 p.m.
• Historic parade: 4 p.m., from Palagio di Parte Guelfa to Piazza SS. Annunziata
• Santa Maria degli Angeli visits: morning and afternoon (booking required)
• Palazzo Medici Riccardi conference: 10 a.m.
• Museo della Misericordia opening: 10.30 a.m.–2 p.m.
• The full programme, including updates and booking details, is available on the website of the Municipality of Florence.

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