Rificolona Festival 2027 – Traditional Italy

What to expect in 2027

Rificolona Festival 2027 will take place in Florence, Italy, on 7 September 2027, continuing one of the city’s most distinctive annual folk traditions. The celebration fills Florence with colorful handmade paper lanterns, evening processions, children’s activities, music, entertainment and community gatherings. The main celebration traditionally takes place in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where processions from different parts of the city come together.

The festival is closely connected with the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on 8 September. The tradition dates back centuries, when farmers, merchants and pilgrims came toward Florence from the surrounding countryside carrying lanterns to illuminate their journey. Today, the Rificolona has become a much-loved cultural celebration involving families, children, local communities and visitors.

The central event is expected to focus on Piazza Santissima Annunziata, while additional activities are traditionally organized throughout Florence’s five municipal districts. These can include lantern-making workshops, local parades, children’s entertainment, music and community gatherings.

The detailed programme for 2027 may be published closer to the event. However, the established format of the festival provides visitors with an opportunity to experience traditional Florentine culture in an informal evening celebration.

Event dates

Rificolona Festival 2027 will be held on 7 September 2027, Tuesday.

The main festivities traditionally take place during the evening. The central gathering in Piazza Santissima Annunziata is normally the focal point of the celebration, with lantern processions arriving from different areas of Florence.

The wider programme can begin earlier in the day or in the days immediately before the main celebration, particularly where neighbourhood organizations arrange workshops and family activities. Exact times for the 2027 programme should be checked when the official schedule is released.

The date is closely linked to the historic calendar of the tradition, as Rificolona is celebrated on the evening before the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & event locations

The principal venue for Rificolona Festival 2027 is expected to be Piazza Santissima Annunziata in central Florence. The square has a particularly important historical connection with the celebration and traditionally serves as the meeting point for the major lantern processions.

Other parts of Florence can also participate in the festival. Recent editions have included activities across all five city districts, meaning visitors may encounter smaller celebrations, workshops and parades away from the central square.

Potential areas associated with the festival include:

• Piazza Santissima Annunziata
• Piazza Santa Felicita
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazza della Signoria
• Piazza del Duomo
• Basilica della Santissima Annunziata
• Florence’s neighbourhood districts
• Impruneta and the route into Florence

One traditional procession comes from Impruneta, a town outside Florence with an important Marian sanctuary. In recent programmes, participants from Impruneta have travelled toward Florence before joining the city’s main celebrations.

Because Rificolona is a city-wide folk tradition rather than a conventional fenced festival, visitors can experience the atmosphere while walking between different locations.

Full holiday programme

The 2027 programme is expected to revolve around the traditional Rificolona celebration and its associated neighbourhood activities.

The main evening programme traditionally includes lantern processions, the gathering of participants in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, greetings from local authorities, lantern displays, entertainment and a musical performance.

The festival programme can also include:

• Traditional Rificolona processions
• Handmade lantern displays
• Lantern-making workshops
• Children’s activities
• Family entertainment
• Music performances
• Community gatherings
• Local neighbourhood celebrations
• Traditional cultural activities
• Lantern competitions or awards
• Special activities in Florence’s districts

The programme changes from year to year, particularly for smaller neighbourhood events. The main tradition, however, remains consistent: people gather with illuminated paper lanterns and take part in evening processions through Florence.

Main attractions & highlights

The illuminated Rificolona lanterns are the defining attraction of the festival. These colorful paper lanterns are traditionally carried on sticks or canes and create a distinctive sight as processions move through Florence after dark.

The main highlights include:

• Piazza Santissima Annunziata gathering: The historic central meeting point for the celebration.
• Lantern processions: Groups carrying illuminated Rificolone travel through the city before joining the main gathering.
• Handmade lanterns: Many participants create decorated lanterns specifically for the festival.
• Lantern awards: Traditional celebrations can include recognition for particularly original or beautifully crafted Rificolone.
• Music and entertainment: The central square traditionally features a concluding musical performance.
• Children’s activities: Workshops and entertainment make the celebration particularly popular with families.
• Impruneta procession: A traditional procession can connect the nearby town of Impruneta with the Florence celebration.
• Historic surroundings: Visitors experience the festival against the architectural backdrop of one of Florence’s most important central squares.

The combination of local participation, historic traditions and evening lanterns gives Rificolona a very different atmosphere from large commercial festivals.

Markets, decorations & themed areas

Rificolona is primarily a folk and community celebration rather than a large commercial market festival. The visual focus is on the decorated paper lanterns carried by children, families and procession participants.

The streets and gathering areas can become filled with colorful lights as people arrive carrying their Rificolone. The central square provides the main public setting, while neighbourhood celebrations create smaller themed areas throughout Florence.

Lantern-making workshops are particularly important because they allow children and families to create their own decorations before participating in the evening procession.

Some neighbourhood celebrations may also include refreshments, local entertainment and community activities. These details vary by district and edition.

Visitors should not expect a large Christmas-style market or a permanent row of commercial stalls. Instead, the decoration and atmosphere come primarily from the people taking part in the tradition.

Events & entertainment schedule

The detailed 2027 schedule is expected to be announced closer to the festival. The established structure of Rificolona provides a useful guide to what visitors can expect.

The central evening traditionally features the gathering of different processions at Piazza Santissima Annunziata. In recent official programmes, participants have arrived from different parts of Florence, with one procession associated with Impruneta.

The central celebration can include:

• Arrival of lantern processions
• Greetings from local authorities
• Lantern blessing or traditional ceremony
• Presentation or recognition of special lanterns
• Children’s entertainment
• Music performances
• Community activities
• Final entertainment in the square

Neighbourhood events may follow their own schedules. Workshops can take place before the main procession, while some districts organize separate parades and family entertainment.

For the most accurate 2027 timetable, visitors should consult the official Florence tourism programme when the complete schedule is published.

Admission & ticket information

The main Rificolona street celebrations and public processions are traditionally free to attend. Visitors can watch the lantern processions and participate in the atmosphere around Piazza Santissima Annunziata without purchasing a general festival ticket.

Some associated activities may have separate arrangements. Museums, guided visits or special cultural programmes taking place alongside the festival can require admission.

For example, the National Archaeological Museum of Florence has participated in recent Rificolona celebrations with a special evening opening, guided activities and children’s workshops. In the 2026 programme, the museum charged €8 for full admission, while admission was free for visitors under 18 and a reduced €2 rate applied to EU citizens aged 18–25. These are historical reference prices and should not be treated as confirmed 2027 prices.

Visitors attending the main outdoor celebration should therefore plan for a free public event while checking individual attractions separately.

Special experiences & activities

One of the most memorable experiences is carrying or watching handmade Rificolone during the evening procession. The lanterns are traditionally made from paper and decorated in bright colors and imaginative designs.

Visitors can also look for local workshops where children and families make their own lanterns. These activities provide a closer connection with the tradition than simply watching the central parade.

Another special experience is following the procession through Florence’s historic centre. Recent programmes have included routes connecting Piazza Santa Felicita, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Santissima Annunziata.

The Impruneta connection is also significant. A traditional procession can begin at the Sanctuary of Impruneta before participants travel toward Florence and join the wider celebration.

The festival also provides an opportunity to experience Florence after sunset in a particularly local setting, away from the city’s usual sightseeing routine.

Family & children’s activities

Children are central to the modern Rificolona tradition. The colorful lanterns are especially associated with younger participants, and many neighbourhood programmes include activities designed specifically for children.

Typical family activities can include:

• Rificolona-making workshops
• Creative decoration sessions
• Children’s games
• Face painting
• Storytelling and readings
• Family entertainment
• Children’s parades
• Lantern competitions
• Music and dancing
• Evening processions

Recent programmes in Florence’s districts have included lantern-making workshops, children’s entertainment and local processions. Some activities have been organized in libraries, parks, community centres and local associations.

Families should arrive early if they want to participate in a workshop, as some activities may require advance booking or have limited capacity.

Event rules

Rificolona is primarily a public cultural celebration rather than a ticketed festival, so there is no single festival-wide set of entry rules comparable to a concert or large commercial event.

Visitors should follow normal public-event guidance and respect the historic surroundings of Florence.

Important considerations include:

• Follow instructions from event staff and local authorities.
• Keep procession routes clear.
• Supervise children closely during evening activities.
• Be careful when carrying lanterns on sticks or canes.
• Do not obstruct pedestrian routes.
• Follow any temporary crowd-control arrangements.
• Respect churches, historic buildings and public spaces.
• Dispose of paper and other waste responsibly.
• Check individual rules for museums or ticketed activities.

The exact arrangements may vary between central Florence and individual neighbourhood celebrations.

How to get there

Florence is one of Italy’s most accessible tourist cities and can be reached by air, train, bus and road.

For international visitors, Florence Airport is the closest major airport serving the city. The airport is connected to central Florence by public transport and taxi services.

Another useful option is Pisa International Airport, which has a larger selection of international flights. Visitors can continue from Pisa to Florence by train or other transport services.

For visitors arriving by train, Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the main railway station in central Florence. From the station, much of the historic centre can be reached on foot or by local public transport.

Piazza Santissima Annunziata is within the central Florence sightseeing area, making it practical to combine the Rificolona celebration with visits to nearby historic attractions.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is generally the most practical option for reaching central Florence during the festival because the historic centre can become busy during evening processions.

Visitors staying in central Florence can often walk to the main celebration. Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station is also within walking distance of the historic centre.

Local buses and trams can be useful for reaching areas outside the centre, although temporary road restrictions may affect routes during processions.

Driving directly into the historic centre is generally less convenient. Florence has restricted traffic areas, and visitors should pay attention to local access regulations before entering the city by car.

If arriving by car, it is usually more practical to park outside the most restricted central areas and continue by public transport or on foot.

During Rificolona, visitors should also expect pedestrian congestion around procession routes and Piazza Santissima Annunziata.

Accommodation areas

For visitors attending Rificolona Festival 2027, staying in or near central Florence can make it easier to reach the main evening celebration.

Useful accommodation areas include:

• Santa Maria Novella: Convenient for the main railway station and central sightseeing.
• Duomo: Excellent for visitors who want to remain close to the historic centre.
• Santissima Annunziata: Particularly convenient for the central Rificolona gathering.
• Santa Croce: A lively historic area within walking distance of the main celebration.
• San Lorenzo: A central neighbourhood with restaurants, shops and accommodation.
• Oltrarno: A popular area across the Arno with access to the historic centre.

Visitors travelling specifically for the festival may prefer accommodation within walking distance of Piazza Santissima Annunziata, especially if they want to remain in Florence after the evening procession.

Food, drinks & seasonal specialties

Rificolona does not have one official festival menu, but visitors can enjoy Florence’s wider Tuscan food culture while attending the celebration.

Popular Florentine foods to look for include:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina
• Ribollita
• Pappa al pomodoro
• Lampredotto
• Crostini toscani
• Schiacciata
• Gelato
• Cantucci
• Seasonal Tuscan pastries
• Local wines

Neighbourhood celebrations can sometimes include simple community refreshments, music, gelato or shared meals. Recent programmes have included free gelato and community food activities in some districts.

Visitors should also remember that the main celebration takes place in the evening, so restaurants and cafés around the historic centre can become busy.

Accessibility

The main celebration takes place in public urban spaces, including Piazza Santissima Annunziata and city streets. Accessibility therefore depends partly on the individual route and crowd conditions.

Visitors with reduced mobility should consider arriving early, before the largest groups gather. Central Florence contains historic streets and areas with uneven surfaces, and crowds during processions can make movement more difficult.

Public transport accessibility varies by service and route. Visitors who require specific accessibility facilities should check their chosen transport service and accommodation in advance.

Museums and other participating venues have their own accessibility arrangements. These should be checked individually before visiting.

The festival’s public nature means visitors can generally choose less crowded viewing areas rather than needing to remain in one designated audience area.

Best days & times to visit

The key day for Rificolona Festival 2027 is Tuesday, 7 September 2027, because the tradition is specifically celebrated on the evening of September 7.

For the main atmosphere, visitors should plan to be around Piazza Santissima Annunziata during the evening. The central celebration traditionally begins after other procession activities have brought participants toward the square.

Arriving earlier is useful for visitors who want to watch the procession arrive, find a comfortable viewing position or participate in children’s activities.

Families may also want to investigate neighbourhood workshops taking place before the central gathering. These can provide a quieter way to experience the tradition before the main crowds develop.

For visitors interested mainly in photography, the period after sunset is particularly atmospheric because the illuminated lanterns become the visual focus of the celebration.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2026 edition demonstrated the broad city-wide nature of Rificolona. The main procession connected the Sanctuary of Impruneta with Florence before reaching Piazza Santissima Annunziata. The route included Piazza Santa Felicita, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo before reaching the main square.

The central celebration included greetings from local authorities, a traditional lantern ceremony, children’s entertainment, recognition for an original or handmade Rificolona and live music. The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata also remained open during the evening.

The National Archaeological Museum participated with a special evening opening, guided visits and activities for children and adults.

District 3 hosted lantern-making workshops and local processions, including activities around Galluzzo and Nave a Rovezzano. District 4 organized activities at Gasometro Park, Baracche Verdi, Villa Vogel and BiblioteCaNova Isolotto. District 5 also featured children’s activities, lantern-making, local parades and celebrations in several neighbourhoods.

These recent activities illustrate how the festival extends beyond its central square and involves communities across Florence.

Official event information

Rificolona is an annual Florentine folk tradition rather than a conventional ticketed festival. The central celebration is traditionally held in Piazza Santissima Annunziata on the evening of September 7, while additional activities are organized across Florence’s neighbourhoods.

The tradition has roots in the 17th century, when farmers, merchants and pilgrims from the surrounding countryside travelled toward Florence for celebrations connected with the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Their lanterns illuminated the journey into the city.

The official tourism information for Florence is the best source for the finalized 2027 programme, including any changes to procession routes, workshop locations, entertainment, museum activities and neighbourhood events.

https://traditrip.com/en/events/festa-della-rificolona-firenze