An event every year that begins at 9:00 pm on day 7 of September, repeating indefinitely
Though the origin of this colorful celebration is disputed, many believe Rificolona began as a celebration on the eve of the Feast of the Madonna, the nativity of the virgin. It is said that villagers would start their pilgrimage before the break of dawn to the city of Florence on the eve of her birthday. They relied on their lanterns, or rificolone, to light their. Others affirm the holiday’s roots are found deep within pagan tradition. In any case, Rificolona continues to be celebrated in Florence and other parts of Tuscany. Every year, people can visit the market in piazza Santissima Annunziata in the days leading up to the event. On the evening of the 7th, children and adults parade through the city while singing songs and brandishing colorful rificolone on sticks.
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Photo credit: ilwoody, flickr.com