On the evening of September 7th, Florentines gather on the banks of the river Arno carrying colored paper lanterns. With colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes perched on sticks, they take part in the procession in honor of the Virgin Mary’s Nativity, which is celebrated the following day.
Modern Celebration
This event is often called “Rificola”, as this word is a traditional name for a lantern. Hundreds of lanterns fill up the streets of Florence, illuminating the historic architecture with their bizarre shapes and decorations. Locals choose to either make the lights themselves or purchase them from the vendors. People also hang the lanterns from the balconies, especially in the historic centre of the city. The entire procession is accompanied by the collective signing of Italian folk songs, including stornellos, a common type of singing among peasants.
The most amusing part of the Festa della Rificolona, especially beloved by children, is the shooting of each other’s lanterns. In the past, young Florentines threw watermelon peels at the lanterns, which would immediately ignite. In recent years, watermelon peels were replaced with blowpipes and stucco or clay balls, making the youngsters' shots even more precise.
Procession Route & Schedule
The participants usually set off at 2:30 pm from Basilica di Impruneta and walk approximately 10 miles (16 km) to Piazza Santissima Annunziata in Florence. On the way, the procession passes through Piazza Santa Felicita, Piazza San Giovanni, and Piazza della Signoria until its final stop at Piazza Santissima Annunziata at 9:30 pm. What follows is an outdoor bash filled with entertainment, food, numerous activities, and cultural traditions.
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore Terrace
On the occasion of the Nativity local citizens and tourists are allowed to visit the terrace of the Florence’s Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and get the view of this beautiful city from above. The terrace is usuallt open on September 8th from 10 am to 4 pm. The entrance is free.
History of the Lantern Procession
The first such processions were held centuries ago when all the peasants from surrounding villages assembled in Piazza Santissima Annunziata to celebrate the feast. Most of them were farmers, traveling from the countryside to sell their produce with lanterns illuminating their path. Florentines initiated lantern smashing tradition already at that time, joyfully shooting watermelon peels into the poor peasants’ lanterns.