Greetings,

A tour book noted that there is a tradition of lighting candles in boats and releasing them down the Arno one evening in late June? Does anyone know whether this is scheduled this year?

Thanks,

Marshall

In early September, the schoolchildren in Florence have a candle-lit procession called Rificolona. Scroll down on this site: Rificolona

Don't know about June. Maybe in Pisa or a different town?

Last summer, or the summer before, we went to Pisa to see the Luminara, which I think is on the evening of June 16. All along the Lungarno there are candles, and the boats are illuminated, too.

Gloria must have something about it on her site.

I believe this had something to do with a closing ceremony of the soccer-like games played in Florence the two-weeks prior? Any information on that?

Marshall

June 24th is the patron saints day..so would make sense
there are also parades and fireworks

Luminara in Pisa is definitely something to see. I always recommend it but I don't know if anybody has ever taken me up on that!!!

It is really beautiful.

Moreover, the program of Giugno Pisano will soon be out. There are many interesting events.

quote:

It is really beautiful.

Luminara in Pisa is so beautiful that when I read the words "Lighted ... Arno" I immediately thought of that, rather than Florence. I agree with you, Gloria.

Marshall, you might want to search the MB using the words "calcio storico", which will bring up some info about the games and other festivities during that time. There are also regatta on the Arno in Florence during the year, and a search with this word might yield some info.

I've been in Florence on June 24th a few times, most recently the past 2 years, and I don't remember this. But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen! I think it means that there is so much to do and see...