If you are looking to plan a trip to the Renaissance centre of Tuscany and find a luxury villa in Florence, you might consider heading in September in order to make it to the annual Rificolona festival.
This festival celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary who, according to Christian tradition, was born on September 8th in an unknown year, somewhere near Nazareth. The large basilica of Santissima Annunziata is dedicated to her worship and her birthday is a day of celebration that involves religious ceremonies, paper lanterns...and spit wads?
It all began in the 17th century and became a tradition wherein hundreds of peasants and farmers from the surroundings would come to the city to celebrate, bringing their wares with them; cheeses, honey, fruit and vegetables and handmade crafts.
This festival celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary who, according to Christian tradition, was born on September 8th in an unknown year, somewhere near Nazareth. The large basilica of Santissima Annunziata is dedicated to her worship and her birthday is a day of celebration that involves religious ceremonies, paper lanterns...and spit wads?
It all began in the 17th century and became a tradition wherein hundreds of peasants and farmers from the surroundings would come to the city to celebrate, bringing their wares with them; cheeses, honey, fruit and vegetables and handmade crafts.
September 8th became a market day as well as a religious festival, as a result, and the square of Santissima Annunziata became a bustling hub of activity. Today, the market takes place on the 6th and 7th and is a huge fair of organic produce.
As the day began so early, farmers carried lanterns at the end of sticks to light their way and these lanterns, though no longer necessary, are still used today. In fact, they've become a central feature of the festival.
On the eve of the 8th of September, Florentines and other "pilgrims" carry paper lanterns at the end of a stick as they make their way through the streets of Florence, from Piazza Santa Felicita to Piazza Santissima Annunziata. A Cardinal guides the procession and then gives a speech in the square, before there is a party.
As the day began so early, farmers carried lanterns at the end of sticks to light their way and these lanterns, though no longer necessary, are still used today. In fact, they've become a central feature of the festival.
On the eve of the 8th of September, Florentines and other "pilgrims" carry paper lanterns at the end of a stick as they make their way through the streets of Florence, from Piazza Santa Felicita to Piazza Santissima Annunziata. A Cardinal guides the procession and then gives a speech in the square, before there is a party.
On the way, older children blow spit wads at the paper lanterns, a tradition that harkens to how rural peasants, in their best but poor and overdone clothes, were made fun of by locals. In fact, Florentines still call an overdressed, over made-up woman a rificolona. No longer a cruel act, it is a festival of fun and celebration and is deeply rooted in local traditions. A must-see for anyone looking to experience authentic Tuscan life while in Florence!
