The oldest and most famous musical festival in Italy, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, was founded in 1933.
During the festival, Florence plays host to operas, internationally known orchestras and ballet productions, with a line-up few other festivals can rival.
The festival is held between April and June.
Teams of 27 young men face each other in this 15th century style, no-holds-barred game of fighting and football in the Piazza Santa Croce.
On the 24th of June every year, the whole town of Florence dresses up, parades and celebrates, in all possible ways, its historical connection to Saint John. The fireworks are spectacular.
As one of the top 20 international marathons, Florence stages men's and women's events as well as a non-competitive 10km fun-run and a special mini-run for kids.