March 2026 All Around Florence

Traditions, experiences, and events for those visiting Florence and its surroundings this month.

Local traditions in March

Florence celebrates its historic Florentine New Year on March 25, which coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation. Until 1750, the Florentine calendar year began on this day. The celebrations include the parade of the Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina (Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic) and are part of the wider Settimana del Fiorentino (Florentine Week), from March 23 to 29, 2026: a week that celebrates the history, traditions, and identity of Florence through numerous events in conjunction with the New Year celebrations. 

March's top events

1.    Exhibitions and cultural events

From March 14 to July 26, 2026, the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to Mark Rothko, master of American abstract expressionism: an exhibition that explores the use of color and the spiritual dimension of his painting through international loans and immersive sections. And from March 25, the Museo Novecento will also host an exhibition dedicated to Georg Baselitz, a leading figure in contemporary German art, famous for his upside-down figures, with a journey through his work from the 1960s to the present day. For film buffs and fans of Hallyu, don't miss the 24th edition of the Florence Korea Film Festival (March 18-28), an international festival dedicated to South Korean cinema with screenings in the original language, retrospectives, and meetings. Special guest: actor Gong Yoo!

On the weekend of March 21 and 22, the FAI Spring Days, promoted by the FAI - Italian Environment Fund, return with special openings of palaces, villas, and places not usually accessible to the public in the city and in Tuscany (program coming soon). On March 31, Palazzo Vecchio will host a new edition of  Living History: in the Salone dei Cinquecento, Medici history will come to life thanks to an event organized by MUS.E, with the play “Serenissima duchessa Eleonora di Toledo” performed in English under the title “Eleonora de Toledo: love and power at the Medici Court.”

2.    Local Flavors and Surroundings

From March 12th to 15th, CiokoFlo', the artisanal chocolate festival, returns to Piazza Santa Croce! Four days of stands, Italian master chocolatiers, tastings, and variety. On March 28 and 29, at the Ex Conventino fuori le mura, Gusto Toscano returns, a weekend dedicated to regional food and wine excellence with tastings, show cooking, and workshops led by local producers and chefs. In Chianti, in Montefioralle, the weekend of March 22 and 23 celebrates the 54th Sagra delle Frittelle, a historic event linked to the feast of St. Joseph, during which traditional rice fritters are prepared in a large pan and served amid music and food stands.

We then bid farewell to the carnival traditions with another All Around Florence event: on March 29, in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, the Medieval Carnivalof San Casciano takes place: the five districts—Cavallo, Gallo, Giglio, Leone, and Torre—compete to win the key to the village, a faithful enlarged reproduction of the ancient Porta Fiorentina, through allegorical floats, theatrical performances, and reenactments of medieval stories and legends, evaluated by a jury of experts. 

3.    Sports and Outdoor Events

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Florence Half Marathon will take place, running through the monumental streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combining sporting competition with an extraordinary artistic setting. And on March 7, the eve of Women's Day, the Rosamimosa Race will take place, now in its 39th edition and considered the oldest women's race in Italy: a non-competitive walk that starts from the Soffiano athletics stadium and celebrates solidarity and participation. 

Finally, on March 28 and 29, the Giardino Corsini will host the Florence Flower Show, an exhibition and market dedicated to quality floriculture with exhibitors from all over Italy, rare botanical collections, and talks on sustainable gardening.

Remember! Only here, on the official website of Florence, can you find a complete and comprehensive calendar of events: go to the events section. 

March itinerary

This March, we recommend discovering the great female artists who have enriched Florence with their works. On this all-female itinerary, you will visit the Uffizi Galleries, the Museum of San Marco, the Gallery of Modern Art, and much more, immersing yourself in the talent of these women.  Discover the itinerary.