If you’re in Florence on June 24th, this is the evening you don’t want to miss. In this article, I’ll explain how it works, where to stand, and what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Why are they called “fochi” and not fuochi?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn Florence, we don’t say “fireworks.” We say “i fires<\/strong>“. Without the u, with that dry accent that certain words in the Florentine dialect have. If you hear them called that for the first time, it almost seems like a mistake, but it’s exactly the opposite: it’s the way those who grew up with them have always called them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe term itself tells us something about this event. It’s not a celebration imported or reinvented for tourism, but rather a tradition that belongs to the city in a visceral way<\/strong>. Mayor Funaro said it directly: “Florence is not Florence without the fireworks, and there is no Florentine who does not remember this date” (for further information on the subject, <\/a>find the news here<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.florenceforanyone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fires-of-san-giovanni-battista-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIn fact, you only need to be on the banks of the river on June 24th to realize it. It’s not just the fireworks display that draws people. It’s the sense of belonging, of tradition, of being there together, doing the same thing their parents, grandparents, and all those who came before them did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>A tradition older than St. John<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFires were born long before Christianity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before St. John the Baptist became the patron saint of Florence, the city had another protector: the god Mars<\/strong>, whose statue stood at the entrance to the Ponte Vecchio until 1333, when a flood of the Arno River swept it away forever. With the conversion to Christianity, a new patron saint arrived, but the tradition of the fires celebrating the summer solstice remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the Middle Ages<\/strong> the celebrations consisted of real bonfires<\/strong>: bundles of brooms burned in Piazza della Signoria, large basins of tallow lit on the battlements of Palazzo Vecchio, fires throughout the city and in the surrounding countryside until dawn. Fourteenth century<\/strong> Gunpowder arrived and Florence was among the first cities to use it not for war, but for celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt was during that period that the pinwheels<\/strong>, the pyrotechnic machines built as true works of engineering. Among those who worked on them was Bernardo<\/strong> Buontalenti<\/strong>, architect and artist active in <\/a>Medici court<\/a>, who became so good that he earned the nickname “Bernardo delle Girandole”. Cosimo I had some of the most elaborate machines ever seen in the city built, so that fireworks, under the Medici, became almost a question of prestige<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.florenceforanyone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bernardo-buontalenti-1-756x1024.jpg\")
Bernardo Buontalenti<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFrom the 1796<\/strong> it is the Society of St. John the Baptist<\/strong> to organize the fireworks every year. Today, the show is funded by the Fondazione CR Firenze, which donates it to the city, as was once done for the great families. The Mazzone company has been curating it for over forty years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>All the celebrations of the Feast of St. John<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe fires are the grand finale<\/strong>, but the feast of St. John it doesn’t start in the evening<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the days leading up to the 24th, the city already enters into the heart of the celebrations. There is the Night of San Giovanni<\/strong>, a running race of almost 10 km that starts from Piazza del Duomo and passes through the historic center at night. There are the Historical Parade with the Uffizi Flag Bearers in Piazza della Signoria<\/strong> and the coronation of the Marzocco<\/strong>, The <\/a>lion symbol of the Florentine Republic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.florenceforanyone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/san-giovanni-procession-florence--1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOn June 24th the day starts at 8:30 with the Procession of Homages<\/strong>. It starts from Piazza De’ Peruzzi and ends in Piazza della Signoria, where the Cross of Saint John is presented to the mayor. Religious ceremonies follow at the Baptistery, including the offering of candles to the archbishop.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the afternoon<\/strong>, there are two events not to be underestimated<\/strong>. The first is the final of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino in Piazza Santa Croce<\/strong>, one of the city’s most physical and distinctive events, halfway between rugby and a “regulated medieval brawl”. The historical costume parade begins in the afternoon, with the match following shortly thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.florenceforanyone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/florence-historic-football-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe second is the Rowing Palio on the Arno<\/strong>. The four historic districts compete in boats in front of the Canottieri Society, on the stretch between Ponte alle Grazie and Ponte Vecchio.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe official anticipation begins at 9:00 PM on the Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, with live music. The fireworks display kicks off at 10:00 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The best spots to see the Fireflies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you want to see the fireworks, I recommend you get there early, because the riverside areas fill up quickly! If you want a decent spot, you’ll have to get there early.at least<\/em>an hour early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia and Lungarno Pecori Giraldi<\/strong>. These are the most traditional spots, where most people gather. The view of the fireworks is excellent, and the atmosphere is just right: families, groups of friends, even a few people with their radios. On the Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, there’s also the option of sitting in the stands organized by the Societ\u00e0 di San Giovanni Battista, with guaranteed seating and musical interlude starting at 9:00 PM. It costs a minimum donation of \u20ac20, but if you want to be comfortable without fighting over a wall, it’s a great option.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ponte alle Grazie and Piazza Poggi<\/strong>. They offer a slightly more secluded location, with fewer crowds than the main Lungarni. From Piazza Poggi, you can also see the reflection on the water clearly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Michelangelo Square<\/strong>. It’s where the fireworks are shot, so it’s not the best place to watch them because you’re too close and lose perspective. However, it’s worth it if you want to experience the atmosphere of the climb, with the entire city lit up below you in the minutes leading up to it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rose Garden<\/strong>, just below the Piazzale, is one of the quieter options. Less crowded, with a good view, and avoiding the chaos of the main climb.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Holy Trinity Bridge. <\/strong>It’s one of the most beautiful positions ever: you have the Ponte Vecchio in the foreground and the fireworks in the background, with the Arno River reflecting everything. Get there early, because it fills up quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For those who want something different, the hills of Fiesole<\/strong>. They offer a panoramic view of all of Florence. The view from there is less intense, but the perspective is unique.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Some practical advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe first thing to know is that theJune 24th the traffic flow in the city centre changes<\/strong>. Parking restrictions and traffic closures will be in effect from the morning in several areas: Piazza Santa Croce, the Lungarni, and the streets surrounding the historic center. If you arrive by car, it’s best to leave it outside and get around on foot or by public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI Riversides fill up faster than you think<\/strong>. To get a decent seat (not necessarily in the front row, but with a clear view), you should arrive by 9:00 PM. Those who want the best seats arrive even earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you don’t feel like standing for hours, the stands on the Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia are a convenient option: guaranteed seating, live music while you wait for the fireworks, and a minimum donation of \u20ac20 to the Society of San Giovanni Battista. Seats are limited, so it’s best to book early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One last thing: the fireworks last about thirty minutes and end around 10:30 PM. After that, the city center empties out all at once. Roads, public transportation, taxis: everything is jammed at the same time. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s worth staying a bit longer on the Lungarno instead of immediately joining the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Do you need a guide?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs a Florentine, I have seen the fires of San Giovanni many times and every year the experience is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What doesn’t change is that feeling of being there for the same thing: Florentines, tourists, families, and young people, all gazing at the sky above the Arno together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re in Florence on June 24th, don’t miss it. You don’t need to do anything special: just find a spot on the Lungarno, wait until 10:00 PM, and look up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to experience it with someone who can tell you what’s happening (not just the fires, but everything behind them!), I’m here for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term itself tells us something about this event. It’s not a celebration imported or reinvented for tourism, but rather a tradition that belongs to the city in a visceral way<\/strong>. Mayor Funaro said it directly: “Florence is not Florence without the fireworks, and there is no Florentine who does not remember this date” (for further information on the subject, <\/a>find the news here<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n In fact, you only need to be on the banks of the river on June 24th to realize it. It’s not just the fireworks display that draws people. It’s the sense of belonging, of tradition, of being there together, doing the same thing their parents, grandparents, and all those who came before them did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fires were born long before Christianity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before St. John the Baptist became the patron saint of Florence, the city had another protector: the god Mars<\/strong>, whose statue stood at the entrance to the Ponte Vecchio until 1333, when a flood of the Arno River swept it away forever. With the conversion to Christianity, a new patron saint arrived, but the tradition of the fires celebrating the summer solstice remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Middle Ages<\/strong> the celebrations consisted of real bonfires<\/strong>: bundles of brooms burned in Piazza della Signoria, large basins of tallow lit on the battlements of Palazzo Vecchio, fires throughout the city and in the surrounding countryside until dawn. Fourteenth century<\/strong> Gunpowder arrived and Florence was among the first cities to use it not for war, but for celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was during that period that the pinwheels<\/strong>, the pyrotechnic machines built as true works of engineering. Among those who worked on them was Bernardo<\/strong> Buontalenti<\/strong>, architect and artist active in <\/a>Medici court<\/a>, who became so good that he earned the nickname “Bernardo delle Girandole”. Cosimo I had some of the most elaborate machines ever seen in the city built, so that fireworks, under the Medici, became almost a question of prestige<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the 1796<\/strong> it is the Society of St. John the Baptist<\/strong> to organize the fireworks every year. Today, the show is funded by the Fondazione CR Firenze, which donates it to the city, as was once done for the great families. The Mazzone company has been curating it for over forty years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fires are the grand finale<\/strong>, but the feast of St. John it doesn’t start in the evening<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the days leading up to the 24th, the city already enters into the heart of the celebrations. There is the Night of San Giovanni<\/strong>, a running race of almost 10 km that starts from Piazza del Duomo and passes through the historic center at night. There are the Historical Parade with the Uffizi Flag Bearers in Piazza della Signoria<\/strong> and the coronation of the Marzocco<\/strong>, The <\/a>lion symbol of the Florentine Republic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n On June 24th the day starts at 8:30 with the Procession of Homages<\/strong>. It starts from Piazza De’ Peruzzi and ends in Piazza della Signoria, where the Cross of Saint John is presented to the mayor. Religious ceremonies follow at the Baptistery, including the offering of candles to the archbishop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon<\/strong>, there are two events not to be underestimated<\/strong>. The first is the final of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino in Piazza Santa Croce<\/strong>, one of the city’s most physical and distinctive events, halfway between rugby and a “regulated medieval brawl”. The historical costume parade begins in the afternoon, with the match following shortly thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n The second is the Rowing Palio on the Arno<\/strong>. The four historic districts compete in boats in front of the Canottieri Society, on the stretch between Ponte alle Grazie and Ponte Vecchio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The official anticipation begins at 9:00 PM on the Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, with live music. The fireworks display kicks off at 10:00 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to see the fireworks, I recommend you get there early, because the riverside areas fill up quickly! If you want a decent spot, you’ll have to get there early.at least<\/em>an hour early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing to know is that theJune 24th the traffic flow in the city centre changes<\/strong>. Parking restrictions and traffic closures will be in effect from the morning in several areas: Piazza Santa Croce, the Lungarni, and the streets surrounding the historic center. If you arrive by car, it’s best to leave it outside and get around on foot or by public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I Riversides fill up faster than you think<\/strong>. To get a decent seat (not necessarily in the front row, but with a clear view), you should arrive by 9:00 PM. Those who want the best seats arrive even earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t feel like standing for hours, the stands on the Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia are a convenient option: guaranteed seating, live music while you wait for the fireworks, and a minimum donation of \u20ac20 to the Society of San Giovanni Battista. Seats are limited, so it’s best to book early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One last thing: the fireworks last about thirty minutes and end around 10:30 PM. After that, the city center empties out all at once. Roads, public transportation, taxis: everything is jammed at the same time. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s worth staying a bit longer on the Lungarno instead of immediately joining the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Florentine, I have seen the fires of San Giovanni many times and every year the experience is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What doesn’t change is that feeling of being there for the same thing: Florentines, tourists, families, and young people, all gazing at the sky above the Arno together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re in Florence on June 24th, don’t miss it. You don’t need to do anything special: just find a spot on the Lungarno, wait until 10:00 PM, and look up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to experience it with someone who can tell you what’s happening (not just the fires, but everything behind them!), I’m here for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>A tradition older than St. John<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>All the celebrations of the Feast of St. John<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>The best spots to see the Fireflies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/a>Some practical advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Do you need a guide?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n