September is a pleasant month to visit Florence, when the temperatures start to cool down and the crowds subside a bit. It’s not one of the busiest months in the city in terms of its cultural calendar, but you will find some interesting events on offer, including one of its biggest festivals. Here’s a look at some of our favorite September events in Florence.
September 7 – Festa della Rificolona. One of the largest and most traditional festivals in Florence, the Festa della Rificolona is also known as the Lantern Festival. On this day, which commemorates the eve of the birth of the Virgin Mary (although some say the festival really took off as a local event after Florence’s victory over Siena in 1555), young and old participate in a lantern parade, where Hundreds of most handmade lanterns are displayed, and there is also a boat parade along the Arno.
The festival is accompanied by a large fair in Piazza Santissima Annunziata with street performers, food vendors, music, and more.
First Sunday of the month: Sunday at the museum. On the first Sunday of the month, the state museums in Florence are free for everyone. In Florence, this includes the following museums: the Uffizi, the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Palazzo Pitti and the Giardino di Boboli, the Bargello, the Medici Chapels, the archaeological museum and many more. Note that you cannot book tickets for these days – you just have to show up and wait in what could be a long line, especially at the Uffizi and the Academy.
Mid September – Ice Cream Festival. Now this is a festival that we can really appreciate! Held in Piazzale Michelangelo, the September segment of this multi-city, multi-month-long festival features regional champions gathered in Florence for a final gelato tasting show. Attendees can sample the offerings of the best ice cream makers in Europe and help decide who wins.
In late September during odd-numbered years -. Mostra Mercato Internazionale dell’Antiquariato This highly prestigious Antiques Biennale typically takes place in late September or early October, at Palazzo Corsini, giving collectors the opportunity to view and bid on antiques from around the world. Florence hosts a number of other cultural programs during fair time, including musical performances and galas.
Last Saturday in September – Carro Matto. Florentines celebrate the arrival of the first wine of the new season with this traditional festival, in which an ox cart loaded with jugs of wine is seen through the streets and then presented in Piazza della Signoria. There is also a parade and a flag throwing event.
During September – Settembre Sestese. The town of Sesto Fiorentino, on the outskirts of Florence, organizes concerts and special events during the month of September.
Continue reading: Florence in October
