If you are passionate about festivals and traditions rooted in the authentic history of Italian cities, you must head to Tuscany, specifically to Florence, to take part in one of the celebrations most loved by both tourists and Florentines. We are talking about the Festa della Rificolona, one of the oldest and most fascinating celebrations in Florence, which will be held on September 7, 2024, continuing a tradition deeply rooted in Florentine folklore that continues to captivate both adults and children with each edition.
The Origins of the Festa della Rificolona
What are the origins of this ancient celebration? The Festa della Rificolona dates back to the 17th century and is specifically linked to the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (on September 8). During that time, farmers and merchants from the surrounding countryside would travel to Florence, often embarking on a long overnight journey, to attend the fair held in Piazza Santissima Annunziata to sell their agricultural products, especially wool, fabrics, and other goods.
During their nighttime journey, the farmers and merchants would light their way with paper lanterns mounted on sticks and lit by candles. Because of these colorful ornaments, the people of Florence began mocking them, calling these lanterns “rificolone” (a term that also referred to country women, often dressed in bright and flamboyant clothing), and this name eventually became the symbol of the festival itself. Over time, children also began crafting their own colorful lanterns, carrying them around the city in joyful processions.
The 2024 Edition: Program and Activities
The Festa della Rificolona 2024 promises to be an event full of color, lights, and tradition. Here’s a preview of some of the main activities that will take place:
- Lantern-making workshops: In the days leading up to the festival, various parts of the city will host workshops for children and families, where participants can create handmade lanterns using traditional materials such as colored paper, wood, and candles.
- The Rificolona procession: The highlight of the festival is the grand lantern procession, which traditionally begins in Piazza Santa Croce in the late afternoon as dusk falls, and makes its way to Piazza Santissima Annunziata. Hundreds of children and adults take part, parading with their illuminated lanterns and filling the streets with a warm glow that transforms Florence into a captivating spectacle.
- Blessing in Piazza Santissima Annunziata: The procession concludes with a blessing at the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata, where a Mass is also celebrated in honor of the Nativity of the Virgin.
- Shows and Music: Throughout the evening, musical events and performances will take place in the main squares to entertain participants. Local bands, street theater performances, and games for children will make the festival a complete experience for all ages.
Curiosities About the Festa della Rificolona
- Rificolona Competition: Although it is primarily a religious and folkloric celebration, an informal competition has developed over the years among participants to create the largest, most beautiful, and most original rificolona. Much like the floats at the Viareggio Carnival (another Tuscan city), the lanterns can take on extravagant shapes, from traditional colorful spheres to elaborate constructions inspired by famous buildings or characters.
- The ‘blowpipe shooters’: Another curious and perhaps amusing tradition of the festival is that of children (and not just them) using blowpipes to shoot small pieces of paper or seeds at the rificolone, trying to extinguish them. This custom has ancient roots and is seen as a way to make the celebration even more lively and playful. Even though open flames are generally avoided today for safety reasons, the blowpipes remain an integral part of the festive atmosphere.
- An Eco-Friendly Festival: In recent years, there has been growing attention to environmental concerns, so many of the lantern-making workshops use recycled and non-polluting materials to promote a sustainable approach to the tradition.
Practical Tips for Participating
If this article has piqued your interest and you’d like to attend the Festa della Rificolona 2024, while also staying in the city center to visit Florence’s main attractions – such as the Uffizi, the Boboli Gardens, the Cathedral, and Brunelleschi’s Dome, just to name a few – here are some useful tips:
- Where and When: The main event will be held on September 7th. The main procession will depart from Piazza Santa Croce around 7:30 PM and make its way to Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where the festivities will continue late into the night.
- How to get there: Florence is well-connected for both train and car travelers. If you want to avoid traffic and parking hassles, it’s advisable to use public transport or, even better, walk. The streets in the city center will likely be closed or have restricted access during the procession.
- What to bring: If you want to fully immerse yourself in the celebration, bring your own rificolona! If you don’t have time to make one, they can be purchased in the main squares. Bring a blowpipe (if you want to join the game) and a light jacket, as September evenings can be chilly.
- Safety: In recent years, to ensure the safety of all participants, many rificolone now use LED lights instead of traditional candles, reducing the risk of accidental fires.
Conclusion
The Festa della Rificolona is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Florentine folklore, experiencing a centuries-old tradition that blends spirituality, creativity, and fun. Whether you are a local or a visitor, participating in this festival will offer you a different and authentic perspective of Florence, far from the classic tourist attractions. Don’t miss the chance to admire the hundreds of lanterns lighting up the city, offering an unforgettable evening for both adults and children.
