Life

17 February 1530: Football Under Fire and Michelangelo’s Florence

On 17 February 1530, while imperial troops surrounded Florence, 54 young nobles played a game of football in Piazza Santa Croce.

As Carnival draws to a close in Florence, the city’s traditional mask returns to the spotlight.

Opera remains at the centre of the programme, with Rossini and Puccini.

Tuscans are not famous for making desserts. And yet, every now and then, a sweet comes along that lingers in your memory.

The South Korean actor will lead a masterclass and be honoured with a six-film retrospective at the 24th edition of the festival.

From February 7 to 9, 2026, the food fair organised by Pitti Immagine will bring more than 750 producers to the Fortezza da Basso.

From 1 to 21 February, the giant papier-mâché floats return to Viareggio’s seafront for six masked parades.

From 19 to 28 March, the Florence Korea Film Fest returns with films, masterclasses and meetings exploring contemporary South Korean cinema.

The café will close from January 19 for heritage-approved renovation works and is set to reopen by the end of March.

The initiative is held under the patronage of local and regional institutions.