Free to attend. Paper lanterns can be purchased.
Festa della Rificolona, or Festival of the Paper Lanterns, is a traditional event held annually in Florence on the eve of the Nativity of Mary.
It involves locals and visitors gathering to parade through the streets of the city, carrying colorful paper lanterns illuminated by candles from within.
The event has its roots in the 17th century when peasants from the countryside would travel to Florence to celebrate the Nativity of the Madonna in the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata.
The main procession starts at Piazza Santa Croce at 20:00 and passes through Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo, and Via dei Servi before arriving at Piazza SS. Annunziata.
A speech by the Cardinal and a final party in the square follow the procession.
September 6:
Organic produce market in Piazza Santissima Annunziata
September 7:
The origins of Festa della Rificolona date back to the mid-17th century.
Peasants from the surrounding countryside would travel to Florence to celebrate the Nativity of the Madonna at the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata.
They would also sell their goods in a market held in the square in front of the basilica. To ensure they arrived on time, peasants left their homes before dawn and used lanterns of various shapes to light their way.
Young Florentines would accompany the villagers, mocking their attire and attempting to destroy their lanterns with spit wads. Over time, the event evolved into a parade of lanterns made from colorful thin paper, with the word “rificolona” now used to describe an overdressed woman.
