Calcio Storico Fiorentino (Historic Florentine Football), also known as “calcio in livrea” (football in livery) or “calcio in costume” (football in costume), is a sport that dates back to the 15th century and represents an important part of the culture and tradition of Florence.
Originally, the game was played as part of a patron saint festival or a religious celebration but, over the years, it became a sport in its own right.
The game is a mix of football, rugby and wrestling, it is particularly physical and features a high level of violence. Players wear period costumes, with the colors of the two teams (Red and Blue) which refer to the colors of the Florentine flag.
The playing field is divided into two halves, with a goal at each end. Each team has 27 players who try to score points by getting the ball into the opponent’s goal. The game is extremely physical: players can hit opponents with their hands and feet but hitting each other with objects or weapons is not permitted.
During the game players can be seen fighting, pushing and pulling each other, and even beating each other up but what counts is the passion and the love for the sport and for the city of Florence.
The game of Florentine football has ancient origins and a similar game is even mentioned in the poems of Homer. The Florentine tradition began in the 1400s and during the Medici dynasty challenges similar to the ones seen nowadays were organized.
On February 17, 1530, the piazza di Santa Croce became the scene of a challenge by the Florentine Republic against the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. The population, under siege from the imperial troops, organized a game of “calcio” to show that they did not consider the imperial army worthy of their attention.
In the 20th century, the game was revived in 1930. During matches, players wear 16th century costumes to remember an important moment in Florence’s history.
During the Easter period, a draw is held to decide the teams that will compete in the semi-finals.
The semi-finals see the teams from the four historic districts of the city compete: Santa Croce, Santo Spirito, San Giovanni and Santa Maria Novella.
Each team, made up of skilled and aggressive players, represents its own district in a competition that arouses great enthusiasm and participation from spectators and the city’s populace.
At the end of this year’s draw, the following program was created:
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Saturday, June 15, 2024
This year the final will not take place on June 24, St. John’s day, as per tradition, but will be brought forward a week to Saturday, June 15 due to the possible run-off in the municipal elections, scheduled for Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23.
However, despite this change, the dates of the semi-finals are confirmed: they take place on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 in Piazza Santa Croce.
This event, which represents one of the most emotional and important traditions for the city of Florence, attracts thousands of tourists and enthusiasts every year.
Despite the date of the final being changed, we are sure that Saturday, June 15 is going to be an equally exciting and spectacular day...as always!
Florentine “Calcio Storico” is one of the most exciting events that you can experience in Florence and to help you, the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli and the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo are the perfect solutions.
Located just 600 meters from the spectacular Piazza di Santa Croce, the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli offers an unforgettable experience thanks to its enviable position in the heart of the city.
The FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, on the other hand, located on the Lungarno, is the ideal choice for those looking for comfortable, quality accommodation. Thanks to its proximity to the limited traffic zone and its internal garage, guests can enjoy the convenience of parking their car easily and securely.
In both cases, guests will be offered a high level of hospitality, with spacious, tastefully furnished rooms equipped with every comfort, and impeccable service.
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of the most spectacular events in Florence. Book your room now at an FH55 Hotel!
