Florence & Tuscany Guide / Festivals / Festa Del Grillo

The people of Florence believe that song of the cricket to bring luck. In late April or Early May the Festa del Grillo or the cricket festival is held. A market is held at the Cascine Park where crickets are sold in colorful, hand woven cages. According to tradition if a man decorates his beloved's doors or windows with flowers and gives her a cricket, luck would favour him in love. Days leading on to the festival children hunt for crickets to cage them. The male crickets have a yellow stripe to make them discernible. Crickets that sing are believed to bring the household luck. The children would capture them in wicker baskets and take them the park on the day of the feats and release the crickets. The festival is held on Sunday after Ascension Day.