While I am still trying to recover from the massive hangover that came from Notte Bianca, I am really really excited for May in Florence because SUMMER! and SUNSHINE!! and SUMMER!! This month is one of my favorites in Florence, because it’s just the perfect season to walk around the city and take it all in. Here’s some of the things I’m looking forward to:
Gelato Festival:
May 1st-4th
Gardens of Palazzo dei Congressi (in front of the SMN train station)
Cost: Free entry, Gelato Card €5
Originally created in 2010 to celebrate the origins of Florentine gelato, the Gelato Festival is back this year with an even bigger array of vendors showing off the latest flavors and innovations regarding Italian gelato, all competing for the prize of Best Italian Gelateria of 2014. Join in on the tasty fun by purchasing a Gelato Card for €5, which gives you 5 tastings of gelato and 1 tasting of a gelato cocktail. If you missed this event, not to worry–they’ll be back in Tuscany at the end of June (the 26th-29th), but this time at the beach in Viareggio which could make for an excellent weekend getaway from the scalding heat that is summer in Florence.
Deejay Ten Run Firenze: Florence 5-10k race
Sunday May 18th
Throughout Florence
Entry fee €18 www.deejayten.it
Experience running through the beautiful historic center as Florence hosts the Deejay Ten marathon event. Join in on a 5 kilometer or the longer 10 kilometer race, following a special running path set up throughout the city. I may sign up this year, seeing as how today at my local coffee shop the kindly gentleman who serves me my acqua e caffé pointed excitedly to my stomach and said,”Ma…sei in cinta??” (Are you pregnant?) No, sir, that’s just my lasagna from last night. Sigh…
Artigianato e Palazzo: Artisan Crafts Fair & Workshop
Thurs. May 15th-Sunday May 18th
Giardino Corsini, Via della Scala 115
Cost: €8 entry ticket
Celebrate the artwork of over 80 master artisans from all over the world at this 4 day workshop and craft exhibition. Hand-crafted items from specialty artisan shops will be on display in the beautiful gardens of the Villa Corsini (normally closed to the public). Also a really good place to shop & daydream about decorating your future villa.
Wine Town Firenze:
May 17th & 18th all throughout Florence
Cost: €15 for a Wine Card with 5 “points” or tastings, €13 if purchased at any Conad supermarket
Join Florence’s premier wine event of the year as the city celebrates all things grape-related with some of Tuscany’s most famous wine producers. Your Wine Card gets you 5 free tastings at any of the listed events (some events are available through reservation or special invitation only). I’ve never done WineTown before, but all of my friends who have had always had a really good (and drunk) time. Check the map for times and locations at www.winetown.it
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I Profumi di Boboli: Fragrances & Design
FridayMay 23rd-Sunday May 25th
Limonaia di Villa Strozzi – Via Pisana 77, Via di Soffiano 11
Free entry
This perfume & design exposition is held within the citrus gardens of Villa Strozzi, making it the perfect location to sample the best fragrances from some of Italy’s finest herbalists as well as view innovative new products, such as all-natural plant based cosmetics, soaps, and other bio-friendly items. Plus, you get to check out the citrus grove of Villa Strozzi, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Florence.
The Florence Diaries 