upcoming events: october 2014

Each October is a big month for events in Italy. Harvest festivals are in full swing and the change of seasons brings with it new shows, exhibits and festivals. This fall will also bring another “big” event to Florence: these two ladies will be returning to our favorite city! Well, we won’t make it there until November, but here’s a month’s worth of events to help you pass the time until we do arrive. We’re counting down the days!

via festaivaldellegenerazioni.it

Festival delle Generazioni | October 2-4

Now this seems interesting: Festival delle Generazioni attempts to bridge the age gap between younger and older generations in Italy and build towards a more economically vibrant and sustainable future in the country. Three days of events–including research, lectures and analysis in addition to concerts, workshops and more–will be held in major piazze across the city. All events are free, but some require reservations. Check out the full schedule and claim your spot at the top happenings here.

Tuesdays at the Movies with Palazzo Strozzi | Tuesdays in October (7, 14, 21, 28)

Palazzo Strozzi and the Odeon again team up for greatness to coincide with the opening of the museum’s new show, Picasso e la modernità spagnola. Each Tuesday evening in October the public is invited to watch films (for free!) that complement the themes explored in the exhibit: war, political struggle and the tension between traditional and modern eras. The films include Land and Freedom (October 7), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (October 14), The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (October 21) and Open Your Eyes (October 28). For more details on the films being screened, visit here.

Santa Reparata Parade by Boots in the Oven

Festa di Santa Reparata | October 8

Move over, St. John the Baptist, and make way for Santa Reparata, Florence’s lesser known patron saint. The Florentine explains, “Santa Reparata’s miraculous intercession in 406 CE helped Florence defeat an insurgence of the Ostrogoths, led by King Radagaiso, who had besieged the city. Because of her role in maintaining ancient Florence’s independence and the triumph of Christianity over the barbarians, Santa Reparata was named patron of the city and the city’s then main cathedral was dedicated to her.” In fact, the crypt under Santa Maria del Fiore is indeed the remains the original cathedral, Santa Reparata.

Although there aren’t fireworks like there are for San Giovanni, the city still puts on a good show for her feast day every October 8th. This year, the annual historical parade will depart from Plagio di Parte Guelfa at 3:45 p.m. and arrive at the Duomo at 4:30 p.m. There, a candle and wreath will be offered to the patroness.

Museo Stibbert by Roberto Serrini

Painters & Writers “Interpret” the Garden at Museo Stibbert | October 11

We’re always game for an event that introduces us to a new garden in the city. Painters and writers–amateurs, professionals and students–are invited to join an afternoon of “plain air” creativity. The fun runs from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a reading at 5 p.m. Please bring your own supplies; reservations recommended by emailing incontri.stibbert@gmail.com. And if you can’t make it to the event, you can still check out the garden–it’s open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thursday.

FAIMarathon Participants via Facebook

FAIMARATHON | October 12

This event really tugs at our heart-strings. FAIMarathon encourages Italians everywhere to see their surroundings with new eyes. Across 120 locations in the country, there will be various walks held to help participants discover and rediscover hidden gems in their own neighborhoods–an exercise we wholly support. In Florence, the theme is “from the history of plants to the history of writing.” The 3.5-kilometer route starts on Via Michele at the Botanical Gardens and ends in the Biblioteca Riccardiana in the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi. Those who complete the itinerary will be awarded a special lecture on the Lippi Madonna at the palazzo and be shown a secret staircase in the library. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and walks will leave from the Botanical Gardens until 4:30 p.m. For all the details, visit here.

Fiera di Firenze | October 16-19

Here’s an extra event for good measure, mostly because we can never turn down a free event at the Fortezza. Fiera di Firenze: Shop & The City will feature over 350 artisans and vendors sharing their talents and wares. Visitors can expect live DJs, cooking demos and art exhibits in addition to multiple markets stocked with beautiful products from Florence and the surrounding region. No matter your interests–home decor, design, books, food and wine–you’ll be able to explore it here. And while entrance is free, it might be hard to avoid buying something special from the fiera. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! For a sneak peek at all there is to see, click here.

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Buon autunno, everybody!