Free
The Feast of the Epiphany is a national holiday celebrated throughout Italy. However, the Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men is a unique event held specifically in Florence.
La Cavalcata dei Magi, also known as The Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men, is an annual event held in Florence, Italy, on January 6. This traditional 15th-century street procession celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany and is the largest of its kind in Tuscany.
Participants dressed in medieval costumes gather outside Palazzo Pitti, winding their way through the historic streets of Florence while singing and dancing. The procession ends at Piazza Duomo, where a live nativity scene is enacted, followed by the firing of three canons in succession.
A ceremonial mass is held at the Duomo to mark the end of the event. The Feast of the Epiphany commemorates the visit of the three Wise Men to Baby Jesus, and is considered as significant a holiday as Christmas Day in Italy, especially for children.
14:00: Procession begins at Piazza Pitti
15:30: Procession arrives at Piazza Duomo
The Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men has roots in the 15th-century Christian tradition, making it one of the oldest and most cherished celebrations in Tuscany. The event commemorates the Epiphany, marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men at the manger bearing gifts for Baby Jesus.
The procession, which began in 1417, has been an integral part of Florence’s history, with even the Medici family participating at one point. Revived in 1997, this event has continued to captivate locals and visitors alike, creating a magical atmosphere that transports participants back to medieval times. The live nativity at Piazza Duomo, complete with farm animals and the three Wise Men presenting their gifts, adds a touch of authenticity and reverence to the occasion.
