Florentine Historical Football 2017

The most anticipated event by tourists and Florence people alike is back!

24 June 2017

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On June 24th, Florence celebrates the Patron Saint, St John the Baptist, and throughout the day a series of events will take place, giving you the chance to experience an even more beautiful Florence. Definitely more animated and evocative than usual: in a word, unforgettable. The most anticipated event, what Florence folk born and bred wouldn’t miss for anything in the world, is the Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2017 Final. You might have heard of it before: a football game is played dressed up and with no holds barred... in short, they go at each other pretty good.

But in fact, it is much more than this: its origin dates back to the 1400s and it was during the Medici period that this street game took on a more organized form and was practiced by nobles. From the eighteenth century onwards it went back to being a less organized game and played more freely. The version we are familiar with today, and that will also be at the 2017 Calcio Storico Firenze, dates back to 1930 when an official tournament was organized between the city's major districts and it was decided that a costume parade would precede the match.

So how do you play Calcio Storico Firenze in 2017? In the same traditional way: the field is in the splendid frame of Santa Croce, the challenge takes place between the teams of the Florence districts, each with its own colour that will choreographically tinge the stands: white for Santo Spirito, blue for Santa Croce, red For Santa Maria Novella and green for San Giovanni. The teams consist of 27 footballers whose roles are reminiscent of modern football players: datori indietro (goalkeepers), datori avanti (centre midfielders), sconciatori (midfielders) and Innanzi (strikers). And the rules? There are a few, very simple ones. Instead of the goal there is the 'caccia' that consists in kicking the ball and striking a rather small net placed on the side at the bottom of the field. To prevent the rival team from winning, virtually everything is allowed in the 'caccia': tackles, fights, punches and kicks. Indeed, Florentine historical soccer is partly similar to rugby and wrestling. It is said that in 'love and war all is allowed' and perhaps this slogan should also include Calcio Florence in costume! If you decide to attend Florence historical football 2017, be warned that watching a match is quite challenging: while you follow the ball, spectacular tackling takes place on the field, as well as some scuffling, and players are pinned down by others who stand on them. You will not know where to look!

What are the Calcio Storico Fiorentino dates? The tournament is made up of two semi-finals and the final, always played on St. John's Day. A curiosity: did you know that the teams that will challenge each other are drawn before the Explosion of the Cart on Easter Day? For the Florentine Football 2017 edition, the first semi-final will take place on June 10th at 5pm in the Santa Croce arena and will see the ‘Greens’ of San Giovanni against the ‘Reds’ of Santa Maria Novella. The 2017 program Calcio Storico Fiorentino continues on the following day, June 11th, with the second semi-final that takes place at 5pm at Santa Croce and sees the ‘Whites’ of Santo Spirito against the ‘Blues’ of Santa Croce. How will it end? The winners of the 2016 World Cup were the Whites who fought against the Blues... Who knows who the winners will be this year! You will surely find out by attending the final that will take place on June 24th at 5pm in Piazza Santa Croce. It will be the colours of the smoke machines and choreographies on the stands to inform you of the winners by featuring the colours of the two rival teams.

Where can you find Calcio Storico Fiorentino tickets 2017? The presale usually begins early in June at points of sale, which are listed on the official event website, after which the online sale also starts. For this and further information, please visit www.calciostoricofiorentino.it. Calcio Storico Fiorentino tickets are partially granted with pre-emptive rights to neighbourhood fans, after which they can be easily bought by all the other spectators. The prices range from 80 Euros for the grandstand to 29 Euros for economy stands.

Being in Florence on June 24th is not just about attending this exciting sports event, but much more: the day of the Final Calcio Storico Fiorentino, events to attend are at least two others! At 8.30 am the mayor and some authorities form a small procession for the ceremony of delivering the candles to the Baptistery of St. John, located right in front of the Duomo. It continues at 4 pm with the historical procession of the Florentine Republic that precedes the final match and recalls the defence of the city from the siege of the troops of Carlo V. The colourful parade will start from Santa Maria Novella and will cross: Via De' Bianchi, Via Rondinelli, Via Tornabuoni, Via Strozzi, Piazza del Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, Via della Ninna, Borgo Santa Croce to reach Santa Croce where, before the start of the game, re-enacters and footballers will confront each other in the field. A sight that will definitely call for more than just one photo, we're sure.

To end the day in beauty, enjoy the wonderful 'fochi di San Giovanni' scheduled for 22.30. Where can you see them? From Piazzale Michelangelo from where they are fired, but also from the Arno embankments and from Ponte Vecchio. Needless to say, Florence at night lit by the colourful glow of the firework display will be just fantastic. Anyway, you know, Florence is always beautiful... under every light.

One day will not be enough to visit everything. Take some time to do it calmly, among the hotels in Florence that we propose you will surely find the solution that best suits you. After that, set off for a discovery tour round the city, but don’t worry because we at Toscanainside.com will not abandon you. In our section 'Tours of Florence' you will find a range of events so wide as to suit the wishes and needs of each one of you: adventurous spirits can try the Segway Tour of Florence, the most romantic ones will not miss the Florence Tour in cinema and if you have kids, be smart and let them run around during the Treasure Hunt in Florence. Have fun, see you in Santa Croce, and may the best man win!