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

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

The origins

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 Museum of the Duomo - date back to the 13th century and continue to this day.

The programme

The programme for June 24, 2026 is very varied. In the morning (departure from Piazza Peruzzi at 8.30 a.m.), the solemnProcession of the Florentine Republic will arrive in Piazza Signoria, where there will be a performance 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 (10,30). Shortly before that, at the nearby Loggia del Bigallo, the Reliquary of St. John the Baptist will be displayed. 

In the afternoon, as per tradition, the final of the Calcio Storico (Historical Football) will be held. At the end of a sumptuous historical procession, on the sandy ground of Piazza Santa Croce, at 6 p.m. the winners of the semi-finals will play the final match of the Tournament (Blus vs Reds). At the same time, on the Arno River, also at 6:00 p.m., you can watch the Palio remiero, a rowing race organized by the Florence Rowing Club.

The fireworks. The so-called “Fochi” will be exploded at 10 p.m. from the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo. One of the places to watch them is along the river Arno (Lungarni), right bank! Right on the Lungarno della Zecca, starting at 8:30 p.m., the anticipation will be enlivened by a concert by the Brass Ensemble of the Cherubini Conservatory of Florence.

Other Events

The celebrations are organized by the Society of St. John the Baptist in collaboration with the City of Florence. The Society is celebrating its 230th anniversary this year (founded in 1796) with a series of events, including the “230” exhibition at the Museo dei Medici, running through August 31; the exhibition traces the long history of this institution through a series of do cuments, works of art, and artifacts.

Another traditional event - preceding “San Giovanni” - will take place on Sunday, June 21, at 11 a.m.: the Coronation of the Marzocco on the Arengario of Palazzo Vecchio, on Piazza Signoria. The statue of the Marzocco represents a Lion, holding a shield with the Lily symbolizing Florence; it is a work by Donatello, here replaced by a copy (the original is at the Bargello Museum).

Finally, the day before (June 20), the traditional “Notturna di San Giovanni” will take place, a running race (both competitive and non-competitive) that will wind through the streets of the city center at night; visit the Firenzemarathon website for details on this sporting event.