Florence & Tuscany Guide / Festivals / Calcio in Costume

One of the most popular and well known games of Florence Calcio in Costume is basically a costumed football game. Played on the 16th, 24th and 30th of June, it is to commemorate the famous match of 1530 and is till today played by men in 15th century costumes. The 'game' was originally played not as a game but by soldiers in military encampments to build up strength. Though 'calcio' in Italian means football, the game as such bears no resemblance to football. In 1530, the Imperial army laid siege to Florence under the orders of Pope Clement the VII. The Florentines, to snub the siege played the historic game on 17th February 1530 while musicians played from the roof from Santa Croce. The games have continued and are played till today on the three days that mark the day of the recurrence of the Patron Saint. The games are now played to tourist and spectators in coloured costumes. Two teams of 27 players each, play for an hour for the cheering crowds.