24 June, St. John the Baptist Patron Saint of Florence

On 24 June, Florence celebrates its patron saint, St John the Baptist.

Following the Christianisation of the city, this brave and warlike Saint was chosen to protect the Florentines. The first celebrations dedicated to “San Giovanni” - whose precious relics are preserved in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo - date back to the 13th century and continue to this day.

The programme for Tuesday 24 June 2025 is very varied. At 8.30 a.m., the solemn Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic will arrive in Piazza Signoria, where there will be an exhibition by the Uffizi Flag-wavers; from here it will reach the Baptistery for the traditional offering of the candles, which will be followed by the Solemn Mass.

In the afternoon, the final of the Calcio Storico (Historical Football) will be held, as per tradition. At the end of a sumptuous historical procession, on the sandy ground of Piazza Santa Croce, at 6 p.m. the Reds (Santa Maria Novella district) will face the Greens (San Giovanni district) for the final of the Tournament 2025. Click here for more information.

The fireworks. The so-called “Fochi” will be exploded at 10 p.m. from the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo. They can also be seen from the surroundings, but the Lungarni on the right bank of the river are one of the privileged places to watch the fireworks.

The celebrations are organised by the Society of St John the Baptist in cooperation with the City of Florence.