Every year, 24th June in Tuscany marks a magical moment, when centuries-old traditions meet midsummer warmth, and the region bursts into life with celebrations, rituals, and a deep connection to nature and history. This date is especially important in Florence, where the city honours its patron saint, St. John (San Giovanni Battista), with a full day of spectacular events rooted in Italian folklore.
If you’re planning a visit to Tuscany in late June, make sure not to miss the unique ways to celebrate midsummer and St John. Here’s how Tuscany will be celebrating.
In this article
Florence: A Celebration of St. John
St John is the patron saint of Florence and the city is the epicentre of St. John’s Traditions in Tuscany. Known locally as La Festa di San Giovanni, the city is filled with festivities on the 24th June from boat races to historical football games to religious ceremonies. It’s a unique way to experience Midsummer in Italy, combining religious observance with local colour.
The day begins with a historic procession through Florence’s cobbled streets. Locals and tourists gather early to claim a good spot along the procession route which starts at the Duomo and ends at the baptistery. At the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), there is also a special mass held in honour of St. John which is presided over by the Archbishop of Florence.
Along the Arno River the celebrations continue with the Palio Remiero showcasing Florence’s connection to its vital waterways. When night falls over the city, the skies above explode in colour during a breathtaking fireworks display launched from Piazzale Michelangelo. The whole city pauses to look up from rooftop terraces, bridges, and riverbanks full of spectators gazing at a truly Florentine spectacle. Another evening activity to watch is the La Notturna, a night time rowing marathon on the Arno!
Florentine historic football as a celebration of St. John
Calcio Storico is also played to celebrate San Giovanni. The final match of the tournament traditionally takes place on or around the 24th June as part of the city’s grand celebrations. The game is a brutal, centuries-old sport that blends football with rugby and street fighting. It’s unique to say the least and should not be missed! It’s played each June in Piazza Santa Croce by fiercely loyal locals dressed in 16th-century costumes.
When planning your trip, arrive early, as the city fills up quickly. Make time to watch the historic parade or attend the special mass and enjoy the regatta along the Arno. Make dinner reservations with a view of the fireworks—restaurants with terraces near Ponte Vecchio or Piazzale Michelangelo book out well in advance.
Ancient Rituals and the Magic of St. John’s Water
While Florence hosts the grandest public celebrations, the 24th June in Tuscany is honoured in towns and villages across the region. One of the oldest and most mystical traditions is the preparation and use of St. John’s Water, known in Italy as acqua di San Giovanni.
This ritual is rooted in Italian folklore and dates back to pagan midsummer celebrations, later incorporated into Christian tradition. On the evening of June 23rd, people gather wild herbs and flowers such as rosemary, sage, lavender and St. John’s wort then leave them to soak overnight in a bowl of water, under the stars and morning dew.
On the morning of the 24th, people wash their faces and hands with this perfumed St. John’s Water, believed to bring health, luck, and protection from evil. The benefits of St. John’s water isn’t just symbolic; many of the flowers and herbs are chosen for their antiseptic and calming properties.
Whether you believe in the magic of this ancient ritual or not, it’s promoted as a spiritual experience that connects you to nature and centuries of Italian tradition.
It’s fun for adults and children alike to gather local flowers together and mix this special concoction as a gift to the summer moon. Local tip: only choose flowers and herbs from your local area that are growing wild and pick them on the eve of San Giovanni after sunset!
Want to prepare your own acqua di San Giovanni?
We’ve prepared a short list of flowers and herbs that are often used when making this magical water. However, it’s important to note that there is no perfect recipe, follow your instinct when collecting items to prepare your water. Your connection to the natural world around you is key here, so if you’re drawn to a plant or flower in particular feel free to add it in.
- St. John’s wort, called devil chaser or St. John’s flower, known for its protective properties.
- Lavender, also called St. John’s spike, whose spikes, in fact, are considered amulets that defend against misfortunes, obsessions and demons.
- Mallow, chases away evil spirits
- Rosemary, associated with rebirth and immortality.
- Rue, around since the time of Aristotle to protect from demons and spells.
- Sage, an ancient herb known for both its healing properties and for its power to drive away demons and protect against nightmares.
Midsummer in Italy
The 24th June in Tuscany is no ordinary day—it’s the beating heart of Midsummer in Italy, carrying echoes of solstice celebrations that go back thousands of years. Before Christianity, midsummer was a time when fire and water were believed to have special powers. In Tuscany, these elements still reign supreme on this day: fire in the form of fireworks and bonfires, water in the form of healing rituals and river processions and of course water competitions like the ones we mentioned in Florence from the boat race to the rowing marathon.
Throughout the region, from hilltop villages to coastal towns, locals mark the occasion with music, dancing, and communal meals. It’s a time for togetherness and renewal—when fields are blessed, herbs are gathered, and stories are shared late into the warm night. If you’re spending time in the beautiful Tuscan countryside regions such as the Maremma, ensure to find a local celebration to join. Many villages host outdoor dinners, where locals share traditional dishes and wine under lantern-lit trees. Don’t be shy—Tuscans are famously warm and welcoming, and many smaller festivals are open to all.
If you’re looking to experience the real spirit of Midsummer in Italy, there is no better place or time than Tuscany on San Giovanni or St John’s day. Come for the fireworks, stay for the folklore—and let the magic of the season wash over you, like St. John’s water at sunrise.