Florence is preparing for the annual celebrations of San Giovanni Battista, the city’s patron saint, with a programme that combines religious traditions, historical pageantry and the highly anticipated Calcio Storico Fiorentino tournament.
The festivities will begin with the two semi-finals of the 2026 tournament in Piazza Santa Croce. On Saturday 13 June, the Rossi of Santa Maria Novella will face the Verdi of San Giovanni, while on Sunday 14 June the Bianchi of Santo Spirito will take on the Azzurri of Santa Croce. Both matches are scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
As in previous years, the games will be preceded by a procession of the Historic Parade of the Florentine Republic and performances by the Uffizi Flag Throwers, one of the city’s most recognisable historical traditions.
Tickets for the semi-finals will go on sale online through TicketOne from 10 a.m. on Thursday 11 June.
Final on San Giovanni Day
The celebrations will culminate on Tuesday 24 June, the feast day of San Giovanni Battista, who has been Florence’s patron saint since the city’s conversion to Christianity.
The day will begin with a solemn Mass and the traditional Offering of the Candles ceremony at Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) at 10.30 a.m., attended by representatives of the city administration and members of Florence’s historic civic institutions.
The final of the Calcio Storico tournament will take place at 6 p.m. in Piazza Santa Croce, again preceded by the historic parade and flag-throwing performances.
The evening will conclude with the traditional “Fochi di San Giovanni”, a fireworks display scheduled for 10 p.m. along the Arno River near Lungarno della Zecca. The event remains one of the most popular annual gatherings for Florentines and visitors alike.
Flavio Cobolli among the tournament’s honorary figures
City officials formally presented the 2026 tournament on 9 June, announcing the honorary figures who will accompany the competition.
Italian tennis player Flavio Cobolli has been chosen as Magnifico Messere for the final on 24 June. Cobolli, one of Italy’s leading tennis players, has often expressed his connection to Florence and will be one of the most prominent guests of this year’s event.
Among the Leggiadre Madonne, honorary female representatives traditionally associated with the tournament, will be Florentine singer-songwriter Elena D’Elia, who gained national recognition through the television talent show Amici. She will take part in the semi-final on 14 June alongside Laura Perego, a multiple Italian champion in paralympic water polo.
Other honorary guests include Matteo Del Fante, chief executive of Poste Italiane, and volleyball players Beatrice Agrifoglio and Jennifer Boldini.
More seats in Piazza Santa Croce
The 2026 edition will also introduce new spectator stands installed by the City of Florence.
According to organisers, the redesigned structures will improve logistics and reduce the time required to set up and dismantle the arena in Piazza Santa Croce. Capacity will increase from 4,856 to 5,520 seats, providing space for nearly 700 additional spectators.
The tournament will be broadcast live throughout Tuscany by Toscana TV. International coverage will also be available through digital platforms including YouTube, TikTok and Kick.
For many Florentines, the Calcio Storico tournament remains one of the strongest expressions of local identity, bringing together the city’s four historic districts, centuries-old traditions and contemporary cultural figures in the days leading up to San Giovanni.
(Cover photo: Aldo Cavini Benedetti via Flickr)
❤️ Support Florence Daily News
If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.
We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.
Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.
Donate securely via Stripe below.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Discover more from Florence Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.