The 2026 Calcio Storico Fiorentino Festival culminates on June 24, 2026. This historic and intense Renaissance sport, a mix of rugby and wrestling, takes place on a sand-covered Piazza Santa Croce. Originating in 16th-century Florence, Calcio Storico Fiorentino combines elements of soccer, rugby, and big wrestling, and is played today in costumes from that era. Four teams representing the city’s historic neighbourhoods compete—initially in two semifinals, then in a final match to determine the champion. The teams are Santa Croce (Azzurri or Blues), Santo Spirito (Bianchi or Whites), Santa Maria Novella (Rossi or Reds), and San Giovanni (Verdi or Greens). These neighbourhoods are represented by distinct colours and face off in highly intense matches. In 2026, the schedule included Semi-Final 1: Rossi (Santa Maria Novella) versus Verdi (San Giovanni) on June 13, and Semi-Final 2: Bianchi (Santo Spirito) versus Azzurri (Santa Croce) on June 14. The final takes place on June 24. Before each game, a vibrant procession of participants in traditional 16th-century costumes marches through Florence, ending at Piazza Santa Croce.
The official rules of Calcio Storico were first published in 1580 by Giovanni de’ Bardi, a Florentine count. Developed by wealthy aristocrats, it was initially played exclusively by the upper class and took place nightly from Epiphany to Lent. Similar to Roman harpastum, the game involved teams of 27 players, utilising both feet and hands. Goals are scored by throwing the ball over a designated spot on the field's perimeter, with another goal running across the short ends. The match is overseen by one main referee, six linesmen, and a field master. Each game lasts 50 minutes, and the team with the most points, called “cacce,” wins.
Two semifinals are played between four teams, with the winners facing off in the final on June 24th, Florence’s feast day for St. John the Baptist. During both days, a parade in historical costume starts from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, heading through the city to Piazza Santa Croce, including all four districts and even non-playing players. The semifinals parade begins around 4.45pm, reaching Piazza Santa Croce by 6pm, with the match starting at 7pm The final parade is an hour earlier, with the final match at 6pm. Downtown crowds will enjoy the fun as parade routes split at Piazza Strozzi, heading toward Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, passing the Uffizi, Palazzo Vecchio, and Via de' Neri, ending at Piazza Santa Croce. June 24th concludes with fireworks from Piazzale Michelangelo over the Arno.
During the Calcio Festival, popular street foods include Puccia di San Giovanni, a traditional soft sandwich made for the saint's day. Historically, in Piazza Santa Croce and the surrounding streets, people have frequently enjoyed classic street foods like lampredotto or Florentine tripe, seasoned generously with oil, salt, and green sauce.
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