Lantern Parade

Children and families carry colorful, handmade paper lanterns through the streets of Florence. The lanterns are often shaped like stars, moons, or other whimsical designs, and some are illuminated by candles or battery-operated lights.

The parade traditionally starts at Piazza Santa Croce and winds its way to Piazza Santissima Annunziata, the historic heart of the festival.

The Rificolona is a traditional Florentine popular festival that is celebrated every year on the evening of September 7. It is a celebration linked to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (September 8) and has historical origins dating back to the 17th century.
In ancient times, farmers and mountain dwellers from the areas surrounding Florence (Mugello, Casentino, etc.) would come down to the city the evening before the festival to take part in religious celebrations and sell their products at the Fiera della Santissima Annunziata. For the long night journey, they would carry with them colored paper lanterns mounted on canes, lit by candles.