The most memorable and famous game of‘Calcio in Livrea (‘Football in livery’) took place on 17 February 1530 in Piazza Santa Croce, between the ‘Whites’ and the ‘Greens’, while the city was under siege by Imperial troops.

Originally, the players were fine-looking ‘gentlemen’ of good reputation who dressed in magnificent garb. The games took place during Carnival and important commemorative events. Many members of the Medici family and various Grand Dukes of Tuscany played at one time or another.

Historic Football, otherwise known as Football in Costume, was played in the city’s most important piazzas until the 18th century. The tradition then lapsed until May 1930 (the fourth centenary of the siege of Florence). Three games are now played each year: two semi-finals and a final, which takes place on 24 June, this year the Whites play against the Blues.

The matches, which are held in Piazza Santa Croce, are preceded by a historic procession through the city centre streets by over 500 participants in the typical dress of the 16th century. The pageant starts at 4 pm from piazza Santa Maria Novella, strolls through the city center and reaches the playing ground on piazza Santa Croce. At 5 pm starts the game.

At night the firework display fro Saint John is expected to start at 10.30 pm.

You can enjoy it from the Arno banks.