Feast of San Giovanni in Tuscany: What to Do and Where to Go
The anniversary of San Giovanni is a highly anticipated moment in Florence as patron of the city.
It is also an opportunity to enjoy a day off from work and organize a pleasant picnic in early summer. Find out with us what to do and where to go for the Feast of San Giovanni!
The Feast of San Giovanni Battista
June 24 is the feast of St. John the Baptist, celebrated in devotion of the saint in many places in Italy.
The importance of this anniversary is such that it is the patron of many cities, such as Florence.
San Giovanni is in fact the patron saint of Florence and every year it is celebrated with numerous ceremonies but above all with the explosion of the beautiful fireworks over the Arno river.
Florence, Turin, Ragusa, Marsala are just some of the cities that celebrate the holy Baptist.
The saint’s veneration ends in the evening with the traditional “lighting of the fires”, today symbolized by spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnic games.
June 24 in Florence
A long-awaited date because being the patron saint of the city, it is also the right opportunity to enjoy a day off from work and celebrate the arrival of summer.
Among the many traditions that recur for this date there is a very particular one: the collection of hypericum.
Hypericum, also called St. John’s wort, is an evergreen officinal plant widespread in Tuscany and in the Florentine countryside.
Tradition has it that on the evening of June 23, a basin of water was prepared inside which there were some macerating plants (including hypericum). Left all night in the open air, the water was used the next morning (or St. John’s day) to wash the face.
This tradition is now out of use, but it is very common to see people intent on collecting hypericum in the fields during the outing.
Feast of San Giovanni in Tuscany: Here’s what to do and where to go
In Tuscany many places celebrate San Giovanni, with liturgical celebrations and recreational activities.
The religious holiday also coincides with the beginning of summer, so there is nothing better than celebrating the anniversary by organizing a beautiful day in the open air.
In Florence, in addition to the many events organized for the feast, the final of the famous “historical football” in Santa Croce Square is competed on June 24th. An unmissable event for Florentines and tourists.
Here is what to do and where to go for the feast of San Giovanni in Tuscany:
Florence
The historic procession parades through the city center, which departs from Palazzo Vecchio at around 8:30 am to arrive in front of the Baptistery. Mass is celebrated inside the Cathedral at 10:30 am. While the long-awaited fireworks fired from Piazzale Michelangelo begin from 22:00 in the evening.
San Casciano Val di Pesa
An interesting event is held at Villa Vrindavana Iskcon in San Casciano, the Festival of Colors (or Holi Festival) with the traditional launch of colored powders, with which participants will have to paint their bodies.
Vicchio
Even in Mugello San Giovanni is celebrated, patron of Vicchio. Numerous initiatives are organized every year such as concerts, food and wine events, traditional bingo and fireworks.
We are waiting for you in Tuscany to enjoy San Giovanni Feast
If you also want to have a break and take the opportunity of the Feast of San Giovanni to enjoy a beautiful day in nature in a relaxing place near Florence, perhaps enjoying excellent food, then we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!
Quick Booking snippet
Extra virgin olive oil is a natural product that continues to evolve after pressing. Heat, light and oxygen accelerate this process and gradually affect both flavour and quality. At Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, this is something we know well. Our family has been producing extra virgin olive oil for generations, using olives grown in […]
Mugello is best known for its charming villages, ancient woodlands, historic villas and quintessential Tuscan landscapes. What many people don’t realise is that, after sunset, its clear skies and low levels of light pollution create ideal conditions for observing constellations, planets and, at the right time of year, even the Milky Way stretching across the […]
Villa Campestri, the world’s first Olive Oil Resort, transforms extra virgin olive oil into an experience that brings together nature, gastronomy, wellbeing and a deep connection to the land.
Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling as tired as when you went to bed? Or found yourself exhausted at night, only to lie awake for hours? Perhaps you’ve experienced that familiar afternoon slump, when your energy suddenly disappears for no obvious reason. Most of us blame stress, a busy schedule or lack […]
One of the most meaningful experiences during a trip to Tuscany, beyond visiting art cities or iconic landscapes, is connecting with everyday local life. That connection often happens in village markets, artisan workshops, and small food shops where products are made for the people who live there year-round, not just for visitors. In this guide, […]
How to get to Mugello from Florence and how to travel around Tuscany with or without a car. Distances, trains, buses and transfers.
Romantic weekend in Tuscany between Mugello and Florence: scenic rooms, candlelight dinners, and olive oil tastings. Discover Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort.
Anyone visiting Florence for the first time imagines a stay right in the historic center, surrounded by museums, piazzas, and narrow cobblestone streets. It takes only a day, however, to realize that Florence is wonderful to explore yet challenging to inhabit. Between ZTL restrictions, scarce and expensive parking, constant noise, and high prices for even […]