Some Florentine traditions return every year and remain part of everyday life in the city. The Rificolona Festival is one of them.
On September 7, the streets fill with colourful paper lanterns, families and small processions heading towards Piazza Santissima Annunziata. Behind those lights lies a long history connected to the countryside around Florence, local markets and a religious celebration that has become one of the city’s best-known September events.
For anyone visiting Florence at the beginning of the month, the Rificolona offers a chance to experience a popular tradition that is still deeply loved by Florentines.
Rificolona Festival 2026: Quick Information
Date: September 7, 2026
Main location: Piazza Santissima Annunziata, with activities also taking place in other neighbourhoods of Florence
What to expect: paper lanterns, processions, workshops and activities mainly aimed at children and families
Programme: routes, activities and times may change each year, so it is always advisable to check the official updates before attending
What Is the Rificolona Festival?
The Rificolona Festival takes place every year on September 7, the evening before the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The main celebration is traditionally held in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where children and families gather with the festival’s characteristic paper lanterns.
Rificolone are still made by hand during workshops held in the days leading up to the event. Some have simple shapes, while others resemble animals, characters or imaginary figures. Once lit, they are attached to the top of a cane or stick and carried through the streets.
Activities often take place in other parts of Florence too, with small processions, workshops and events dedicated to making and decorating the lanterns. The programme changes from one edition to the next, while the date always remains the same: September 7.
The Origins of the Rificolona Festival
The history of the Rificolona can be traced back to people living in the countryside around Florence who travelled into the city to attend celebrations at the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata.
Many were farmers and merchants bringing produce to sell during the religious festivities. They began their journey while it was still dark and used paper lanterns attached to long sticks or canes to light the way.
When they reached Florence, the lanterns filled the square and its surrounding streets with light. Over time, they became the symbol of the festival and gradually developed into the colourful, imaginative shapes seen today.
The Rificolona still preserves the simplicity of its origins: paper, light and people gathering together in the streets of Florence.
Why Is It Called Rificolona?
The name itself is part of Florentine folklore.
According to one of the most common explanations, the people arriving from the countryside were teased by young Florentines because of their clothing and the large lanterns they carried. The word “rificolona” is thought to have originated from those jokes before becoming associated with the paper lanterns and the festival held on September 7.
The celebration is still accompanied by its traditional rhyme, known by generations of Florentine children: “Ona, ona, ona, che bella Rificolona”.
It is one of the many ways the city’s character can be found in its festivals, popular expressions and everyday customs. The same character can also be recognised in Florentine dining traditions and habits.
Where Does the Rificolona Festival Take Place in Florence?
The main meeting point is Piazza Santissima Annunziata, in front of the basilica. This is where the traditional gathering of the rificolone takes place, filling the square with paper lanterns during the evening.
In the days leading up to the festival, workshops may be organised where children can make and decorate their own lanterns. On September 7, different neighbourhoods may also host local celebrations and processions.
Visitors can head directly to Piazza Santissima Annunziata or check the 2026 programme to discover the other events taking place around Florence.
The historic centre is easy to explore on foot, and the festival offers a different way to walk through areas such as San Marco, the Duomo and San Lorenzo.
A Tradition That Still Belongs to Florence
The Rificolona remains closely connected to the life of the city. Many Florentines have known the festival since childhood, when lanterns were made at home or during workshops organised in their neighbourhood.
Every rificolona is different. Some are simple, others take days to make, while others reproduce recognisable characters and figures. For one evening, they are carried together through the streets among songs, voices and colourful lights.
This popular and shared spirit has kept the tradition alive over the centuries. The Rificolona remains an event that is easy to enjoy, even for travellers spending only a few days in Florence.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rificolona Festival
When Is the Rificolona Festival in Florence?
The Rificolona Festival takes place every year on September 7, the evening before the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. In 2026, September 7 falls on a Monday.
Where Is the Rificolona Festival Held?
The heart of the festival is Piazza Santissima Annunziata in central Florence. Workshops, processions and other activities may also be organised in different neighbourhoods on September 7 and during the preceding days.
Is the Rificolona Festival Suitable for Children?
Yes. Today, the festival is particularly popular with children and families. Many of the activities held before September 7 are dedicated to making and decorating paper lanterns.
Do You Need a Lantern to Attend?
You can attend the festival without carrying a rificolona. Anyone who wants to join with a lantern can make one at home, take part in a local workshop or buy one in Florence. Workshops and places selling lanterns may vary from year to year.
Tuscan Cuisine at Dedo in Central Florence
If you are visiting the city centre on September 7 and would also like to discover its food, you will find us in Piazza del Mercato Centrale, in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood.
At Trattoria Dedo, we prepare dishes from the Tuscan and Mugello traditions, including Mugello potato tortelli, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, crostini, sharing boards and recipes that have always been part of our table.
We also have a gluten-free menu!
We are open every day for lunch and dinner!
Trattoria Dedo
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 44r
50123 Florence FI
Tel. +39 055 0123439