The fireworks of San Giovanni in Florence

Sunday, June 24th the best show in Florence

It's came back 'the most magical time of the year returned to the city of Florence: Wednesday 24 June from 22, the starry sky of Florence will be illuminated by fireworks and a thousand and one night. This year, with a final flag in all honor to the 150 years of Florence capital.

But we find out a bit 'of history. The origin of the celebration of St. John dating back to the times of the Lombard domination of Florence. Just from the sixth-seventh century St. John the Baptist in fact became the patron saint of the city, but only after the eleventh in Florence began to commemorate his memory June 24 of each year.

It is also thanks to these festivities that the Baptistery of San Giovanni and Piazza del Duomo became the nerve center for religious and political life of the city of Florence. Occasion, in fact, between the Cathedral and the Baptistery of Florence, was spread to twelve meters in height a large canvas called "sky", so as to create a sort of covered walkway extraordinarily gorgeous.

From here start taking the procession passed through the streets of Florence, in turn decorated with rich drapes hanging from the windows. It is precisely in front of the Baptistery that June 24 will conclude the festivities of St. John.

The history and tradition also narrate the ancient custom which obliged the Florentine nobles to give their big candles decorated with burning in front of the Baptistery. Originally, the festivities ended with a huge candle that from Piazza della Signoria was transported on a cart in front of the Baptistery.

During the June 24 celebrations of St. John the Baptist will begin with the historical procession that will visit the Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Duomo, with the Banner of Florence and banners, escorted by valets and by the Men-at-arms then it will be the turn of the Mass for deceased Florentine year and continue with pageants and the offer of the candle, until 22.00, when will kick off the show of fireworks.

The tradition of fireworks to honor the memory of San Giovanni in Florence has a rather dated origin: it seems that the first fires were blown up in 1826, in Piazza della Signoria, although today the fires are started from Piazzale Michelangelo .

There is nothing left to enjoy the show!