| 
Welcome to the Hotel Meridiana Florence guide to sporting events
in Florence. Florence is which honours its' traditions in typical
flamboyant Italian style. Nothing eptimosises this more than the
annual calcio in costume soccer tournament where the only rule
is that there are no rules... click on the image to see the enlarged
photo.
Calcio
in Costume Florence Sporting Events
The
origins of this game which is based loosely on soccer and rugby
find their way back to the Renaissance period. The matches which
are played out between the four neighbourhoods of Florence are
held in the main square in front of the church of Santa Croce.
Popularly attended we suggest that you arrange tickets well before
the event as more often than not the matches particularly the
final are sold out. The Calcio in Costume matches are held every
June with the final played on the Sunday or Saturday closest to
the 24 June which is St John's day and a public holiday in Florence.
The teams wear the colours of their quarters which are also the
names for four of the main churchces in Florence: blue for Santa
Croce, green for San Giovanni, red for Santa Maria Novella and
white for Santo Spirito. There are two semi finals then the final
- the victorious team wins a calf but more importantly have the
pleasure of rubbing their neighbours noses in it for the rest
of the year.
The Calcio in Costume matches are held in the centre of the square
which is covered in sand for the occasion. The game itselfs reminds
us more of rugby or American football than our the modern version
of soccer. The rules, which have changed little since the 14th
century,basically don't existt: kicking, punching, shoulder charges,
blocks and blows below the belt are all allowed in players attempts
to get the ball and attempt a "caccia" or goal. It is
rumoured that special day release is granted to some of the tougher
inmates from Florence Prison to allow them to take part in the
match.... Attention Calcio in Costume is not for the faint hearted
so don't go if you are of a nervous disposition... Finally, cover
your ears when someone scores because fireworks and shots are
fired into the air... the atmosphere is so explosive that brawls
and broken noses are much in evidence, despite all this the match
is still a skillful spectacle and one well worth going to see.
The Palio - is held in neighbouring
Siena and is one of the world's most exciting horse races. The
race which is held twice a year (July 2 and August 16) is between
8 horses and riders from the various neighbourhoods of Siena.
The riders ride bareback around the main square which not only
contains 90 degree corners but is also up and down hill. Despite
the sand and extra padding around the track there are many fallers
and every once in a while a jockey or horse is fatally injured.
Animal rights campaigners like Princess Anne and Brigette Bardot
have campaigned to ban the race but were vehemently opposed by
the whole of tuscany and the Italian government. The race around
the town square in honor of the Virgin Mary only only lasts 3
circuits of the main square but the build up is unbelievable as
for more than 5 hours flag bearers and various processions keep
the crowd entertained. Entrance to the Campo i.e. main squarre
is free however, get there early if you want a good view as the
Palio is incredibly popular and crowds from all over the world
flock to see it.. Alternatively you can pay for seats on one of
the many overlooking balconies.
Florentia Football Club - Newly formed in September
2002 from the ashes of Fiorentina FC he newly formed Florentia
Football club will play season 2002/2003 in the lowest professional
Italian league Serie C2B. The team started the season very badly
after drawing with a team from a city with fewer than 2000 inhabitants
however, since then Florentia have been banging the goals in and
are now sitting at the top of the league. Many of the top players
have decided to stay at Florentia and you can enjoy their skills
every second Sunday when they play their home matches here in
Florence. Ask at the Hotel Meridiana reception for information
on how to get tickets for Florentia home matches in Florence.
|
Please click on the type of accommodation
that interests you:
Above: The Calcio in Costume Sporting Event
in Florence is over 600 years old. Players to this day must still
contest the event whilst wearing medieval costume.
|
