June is the month when Florence celebrates its patron saint, St John the Baptist. A whole series of events will be culminating on Wednesday 24 June, with the traditional ‘fochi’ [firework display] and the Calcio Storico Fiorentino final [an early form of football], played in Piazza Santa Croce. This game, is preceded by two semifinals, held on Saturday 13 June between the Rossi and Verdi [Red and Green] teams and on Sunday 14 June between the Azzurri and the Bianchi [Blue and White] teams.
Important exhibitions are still open. Firenze Déco. Atmosfere degli anni Venti, can be visited at Palazzo Medici Riccardi until 25 August. The exhibition is promoted by the Metropolitan City of Florence and organised by Fondazione MUS.E. It showcases Florence’s central role in the spread of Art Déco style through Italy and Europe. The Fabiani Rooms are hosting an exhibition dedicated to artist Paolo Antonio Martini, ‘Disegno e dunque sogno’ [I draw, therefore I dream] until 13 September.
With the summer, the Parco Mediceo di Pratolino becomes one of the most popular places to visit for Florentines and tourists alike. For those who enjoy being close to nature, the park is open, free of charge, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on public holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while on Mondays to Thursdays, it can be visited between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (booking required).
We end with the unmissable dates with tradition and great taste. Lastra a Signa is again hosting the Malmantile mediaeval festival on 6 and 7 June. The 47th Truffle Festival will be taking place in Rignano from 5 to 21 June. The 4th Mangialonga di Vallombrosa [gourmet hike event] takes place on 14th June.

Text and translation by Voxon