From Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 April, 2026, the European Parliament in Brussels will host an exhibition titled “Viva Fiorenza! Calcio Storico Fiorentino between sport, values and tradition”, offering a three-day showcase of one of Florence’s most distinctive cultural practices.
The exhibition will take place in the Altiero Spinelli building and is co-organised by Members of the European Parliament Francesco Torselli and Dario Nardella, with the support of the Municipality of Florence and the organisation that manages the Calcio Storico Fiorentino.
A tradition presented to a European audience
The initiative aims to introduce the historical game — played every June in Piazza Santa Croce — to a broader European audience, highlighting its cultural, social and symbolic role in Florence.
The exhibition is designed as an immersive journey through the history of Calcio Storico, a centuries-old sport combining elements of football, rugby and wrestling, rooted in Renaissance Florence. Visitors will be able to see original objects linked to the event, including the Gonfalone (ceremonial banner) of the Historical Parade, traditional costumes, armour, musical instruments and archival materials documenting the evolution of the spectacle over time.
Cultural heritage and identity
According to the organisers, the exhibition is intended not only as a display of a sporting event but also as a way to present a broader idea of community and identity linked to Florence.
Local authorities described Calcio Storico as a living tradition that reflects values such as belonging, discipline and continuity between generations. Bringing the exhibition to Brussels is seen as a way to place this local heritage within a wider European cultural context, where traditions from different regions contribute to a shared identity.
Institutional support
The initiative has been backed by several Florence-based institutions, including the city council and officials responsible for cultural heritage and historical traditions. Representatives highlighted the importance of promoting local traditions beyond national borders and of using European programmes to support cultural initiatives tied to local communities.
The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with the organisation of Calcio Storico Fiorentino, including its president and the director of the historical parade, who oversaw the curatorial aspects of the display.
Practical information
- What: “Viva Fiorenza! Calcio Storico Fiorentino between sport, values and tradition”
- Where: European Parliament, Altiero Spinelli building, Brussels
- When: 14–16 April 2026
Access details will depend on European Parliament visitor regulations, typically requiring prior registration.
The event marks one of the first times that representatives of the four historic teams — the “four colours” of Florence’s traditional districts — will be present together in Brussels, alongside players and organisers, to represent the city’s historic game abroad.
(Cover photo: Lorenzo Noccioli via Wikipedia)
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