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Florentine tradition alive What on earth is Rificolona ?
[Alice Whittle]
It probably dates from the mid 17th century when country folk travel to the city from distant areas on the eve of the Feast Day, congregating in the square in front of the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata. They naturally brought their wares, giving rise to a market that coincided with the celebrations in the Basilica when the entire city came to worship the miraculous image of the Annunciation.
They often had to start out at night or at the crack of dawn to find a good site for their stalls, guided by the wavering light of paper or canvas lanterns, tied to sticks or poles.
The busy market held the next morning was a very important occasion for buyers and sellers alike.
The evening of September 7th became a tradition. Florentines would make their own lanterns, often inspired by a long-skirted female figure swaying from a long pole, and parade the streets with clappers, whistles or anything noisy.
The word fierucolone became "rificolona", and is still used in dialect to refer to women who dress in bad taste. Then the young men would throw things at the lanterns until they caught fire.
Today the lanterns, in all shapes and sizes, are usually made by children (perhaps with Daddy's help), or bought ready-made. Various Rificolona laboratories are organised by the City Wards to help keep up the lantern making tradition.
The festivities later spread through the city to the Arno and today children parade up and down the banks with lanterns and the pea-shooters, though the main event and parade is still held in Piazza SS. Annunziata together with the Election of the Florentine Madonna and the Florentine song contest.
There is even a traditional boat parade, lit by coloured paper lanterns, with prizes for the most original boat.
Now you know what it's all about, make your own lantern and join in the fun on September 7th!
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