Fireworks in Florence

Fireworks in Florence - Night of San Giovanni

Tanya Scheibe

Our last evening in Florence happened to coincide with the celebration of their patron saint. So how do the Florentines celebrate it? With a Fourth of July-style fireworks by the Arno. They get a good seat, pack a picnic and just hang out. It was an interesting cultural learning experience in itself. The Italians, or Florentines rather, arrive early -- but not too early, to grab a spot on the bank of the Arno. Some bring lawn chairs, others towels, w/ coolers and food. This is the first time I have seen something like this, because I didn't really see Italians "picnic" like us Americans, even at the beach.

Anyway, after grabbing a seat, they wait for the fireworks to start -- and they start rather late in Florence because it doesn't get dark until 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. in the summer. So, the fireworks go on for about 1 or 2 hours. And unlike the fireworks in the U.S., the fireworks in Italy are somewhat restrained, not pompous, they are fireworks that don't yell at you. It seems that after having been raised in the U.S. and having seeing fireworks, I almost expected the fireworks in Florence to be like them... and when they weren't -- I kind of was like, "hmmph... what happened?" But then, I had to put things into perspective and realized that this is Italy, where they strive for beauty... or perhaps it wasn't in the city of Florence's budget?

Whatever their rationale, it was a beautiful night. I was amazed by how many people came out... you really didn't see all the Western tourists that night, you didn't hear much English being spoken. It was definitely an Italian scene... especially considering how much American and British invasion has occurred in Florence, so that was refreshing. (I was glad that we were staying in Florence and didn't drive or moto-r in because there was so much traffic on the way out... all these people were honking and were stuck in traffic after the fireworks, it was like they just watched a soccer game! Crazy!!!) After this night, we headed on to Cinque Terre... wow!!!