by Lindsey Young
If you're visiting Florence in June, you may notice something unusual in Piazza Santa Croce. One of the city's most famous squares is transformed with sand, large grandstands, and crowds gathering throughout the month.
This is Calcio Storico Florence 2026, one of Florence's oldest traditions. Dating back hundreds of years, the event combines sport, history, and neighborhood pride, attracting both locals and visitors every summer.
Calcio Storico is a traditional Florentine sport that dates back to the Renaissance. The game combines elements of soccer, rugby, and wrestling and is played on a sand-covered field in Piazza Santa Croce.
The matches are physical and fast-paced, with very few rules compared to modern sports. Players compete for the honor of representing their neighborhood rather than for prize money, making local pride a major part of the event.
Florence is divided into four historic neighborhoods, known as quartieri. Each neighborhood is represented by its own team:
Throughout June, supporters wear their team colors, display flags throughout the city, and gather to cheer on their neighborhood.
For visitors looking for unique things to do in Florence June, Calcio Storico offers the opportunity to experience a tradition that has remained part of Florentine culture for more than 500 years.
The celebrations don't just begin on the day of the final match. On the evening of June 23rd, many Florentines prepare Acqua di San Giovanni (St. John's Water), a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Residents gather fresh herbs and flowers, place them in a bowl of water, and leave it outside overnight to collect the moonlight and morning dew.
On June 24th, the feast day of Florence's patron saint, Saint John the Baptist, people use the water to wash their faces and bodies. The ritual is believed to bring good fortune, health, and protection for the year ahead.
As Florence wakes up on June 24th, the city transforms into a celebration of history, tradition, and neighborhood pride. Starting in the morning, a historic parade winds through the streets of Florence. Participants wear traditional Renaissance clothing and march through the city carrying flags, drums, and banners.
Later in the afternoon, the two remaining teams compete in the Calcio Storico Final in Piazza Santa Croce. Thousands of spectators gather to watch the match and support their neighborhood.
Even if you do not have tickets to the final, there is still plenty to experience throughout the city. Restaurants, piazzas, and streets are filled with celebration as Florence honors one of its most important annual traditions.
The festivities conclude in the evening with the famous San Giovanni Florence fireworks display. Many locals and visitors gather along the Arno River or at Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the fireworks illuminate Florence's skyline and mark the end of the celebrations.
Want to learn more about Calcio Storico and the legends that make Florence so unique? Book one of our walking tours! Join The Legends of Florence Evening Walking Tour to discover the traditions, and local legends displayed throughout Florence. Or join our Audio Guided walking tour which is available in over 15 languages that offers a deep dive into landmarks, history and culture!
