On June 10th and 11th and on June 24th, 2025 it takes place the two semifinals and the final game of the Historical Football Game, the most important historical re-enactment and the most famous and energetic historic sports competition in Florence.
In the Historical Football game, the challenge is between the 4 ancient Florence districts‘ teams to win the “palio” and the famous type of cow called Chianina!
The game as it is played today was revived in 1930, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Florence’s siege, when the tournament was organized between the city’s districts: Santa Croce (blue), Santo Spirito (white), Santa Maria Novella (red) and San Giovanni (green).
The players wear customs of XVI century, to recall the historical game, played on February 17th, 1530, during the siege of the city by the imperial troops of Carlo V.
As a disregard towards the invaders, the young inhabitants of Florence wore “livrea” customs (traditional medieval customs) and started to play football to be noticed by the enemies.
That’s why the Calcio Storico Fiorentino is also called “football in livrea” or “football in costume”.
Considered as the precursor of the modern football game, Florence’s Football involves 27 athletes per team. Almost every means is licit to win the competition bringing the ball to the end of the field and dropping it off the net to score a goal called “caccia”
The 16th century is also present in the sumptuous costumes of the Historical Parade of Florence’s Republic, composed of more than 500 reenactors that go through the central streets from Santa Maria Novella Square to reach Santa Croce Square.
INFORMATION
Municipality of Florence
Tel. +39 055 055 or send an e-mail>>>
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AND AFTER THE MATCH?
See on ItalybyEvents a selection of further events and places to visit in Tuscany>>>
And take the opportunity to enjoy the traditional food>>> and the excellent wines of Tuscany>>>
credits photo: Lorenzo Noccioli , Creative Commons
