Santissima Annunziata Square (Florence, Italy)
Santissima Annunziata Square
The square welcomes in its harmonious Renaissance beauty, unique in the world. It is not only a masterpiece of art but also a living and complete expression of the balanced religious sentiment of Florence. Even if you aren’t here in Florence for one of these dates, you will find that the square is very active with summer concerts, markets for organic products, gelato, and handcrafts all throughout the year.
With the church of SS Annunziata and the large following for the Virgin, this square has been the scene for those events on the Florentine calendar which honor her. Namely the 8th of September and her birthday when the square lights up with colorful laterns for the Rificolona Festival. The Florentine New Year Celebration was traditionally on the 25th of March, not only coinciding with the beginning of spring but also the “Annunciation” or the announcement to Mary that she was to bear the Son of God. The square was where the Florentines would gather, even today, with feasting, music and games. Every year, as tradition would have it, there is also a large market in the square of SS Annunziata for the 6th of January and the Epifania.