Costume football, now known as Florentine historical football, is much more than a simple game: it is a celebration of the history, tradition and culture of Florence.
This event opens a wonderful window on the past of a glorious tournament, a symbol of the Florentine spirit that continues to live over the centuries: every year, Piazza Santa Croce turns into a sandy arena where the neighborhood teams challenge each other, recalling thousands of spectators, both local and tourists from all over the world.
The origins of Florentine historical football
The first news of an activity performed with a ball date back to the Homeric poems, where it was told how the Greeks practice a sport called “Spheromachia“, A team game with a ball filled with rags or skin, and not full of air.
The virile character of the competition, made of tight struggles and continuous hand -to -hand body on a sandy ground, made this popular game, quickly spreading also among the legionaries of the Roman Empire. Historical football is considered by many to be the father of modern football, although in some parts he remembers much more a sort of rugby with some techniques of boxing and free struggle.
Although there are no sources ascertained on the exact origin of the Florentine historical football, it is certain that in the second half of the fifteenth century the football had spread so much that the young Florentines frequently practiced it in every road or square of the city, even if the birth, or rebirth, of the current Florentine historical football took place in May 1930: on the occasion of the four -nenminary from the siege of Florence, on the initiative of the fascist hierarch, organized the first tournament among the neighborhoods of the city. From that moment, the Florentine historical football has known constant growth of popularity, becoming over the years the most significant re -enactment event in Florence.
The rules of the game
The game of historical football has come down to the present day keeping its ancient charm intact and its magical atmosphere. Also this year, Florence is preparing to welcome the games of the tournament with great anticipation and turmoil. As usual, the challenges will be held in the unique setting of Piazza Santa Croce, set up with a sand field ready to welcome the finalists of the four neighborhoods of the city in the race.
The field is rectangular, divided into two squares, and the two teams consist of 27 players each.
The “footballers” must exceed the opposing barrier and send the ball to the opposing net. Whoever manages to make more points within the 50 minutes of play wins. A mistake costs a point to the team that commits it. Some shots of almost all kinds are allowed (such as punches, kicks and projections) and, at the winning faction, a white veal will be given in prize, now symbolic, and a “rag”, a painting by a Florentine painter.
The imminent final of June 15th
The tournament semifinals will be held on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June. To open the decisive phase will be the Reds and the Azzurri, on the field on Saturday in a challenge that recalls the final of 2024. On Sunday it will be Bianchi’s turn against Verdi, in an equally expected match.
The final is scheduled, as per tradition, on the day of the patron San Giovanni, Tuesday 24 June.
Great expectations also for the suggestive historical procession, which will precede the final and will start at 17:00: hundreds of costume figures will cross the streets of the city, giving the public moments of celebration, tradition and entertainment.
The passion of neighborhoods
One of the most fascinating aspects of Florentine historical football is the passion and sense of belonging that animates the neighborhoods of the city. The teams represent the four historical neighborhoods of Florence: Santa Croce (the Azzurri), Santo Spirito (the whites), Santa Maria Novella (I Rossi) and San Giovanni (the Greens). Each game is a question of pride and honor for residents, and the rivalry between the neighborhoods adds an additional level of intensity and emotional involvement.
Florentine historical football is a fascinating journey into the past, a way to touch a living tradition and to know the purest values of Florence. Despite its ancient origins, this sport continues to be extremely current, capable of reviving in all respects a beautiful tradition that persists for many centuries.
Participating in the Florentine historical football means immersing yourself in a unique experience, where history mixes with the present and where each game tells a story of passion, effort and glory. If you have the opportunity to be in Florence during this period, do not miss the opportunity to attend this extraordinary event that celebrates the heart and soul of the city.
Here the final of 2024
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