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.
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