The Sunday after the 17th of January which is the day of Sant’Antonio Abate, occurs the “Animals’ Blessing”. All the inhabitants of San Giovanni (but there are a lot of participant from the nearby commons as well) bring their pets and poultry in Piazza Masaccio, that in memory of the day of Sant’ Antonio (patron of animals) receive their blessing by the parish priest of the Basilica of Maria SS delle Grazie.

Here it is, in order of time, the “Salacca” which is celebrated immediately after the Shrove Tuesday. On the right bank of the Arno river, people eat sweets and salted anchovy-based dishes (the “Salacca”, in fact), whose papier-mâché reproduction was traditionally burnt at the end of the party.

San Giovanni, patron of the city, is celebrated on June 24th. During that day while the Municipal Administration organizes the “White Night” (where remarkable is the logistic commitment of the Pro Loco’s volunteers), the association organizes a craftsmanship and antiquarian market in the historical center.

On September 7th San Giovanni Valdarno celebrate the Rificolona, as well as Florence and some other boroughs joined with the Tuscan chief town (such as Scarperia and Impruneta): the rificolona is a lantern made by paper, implemented on purpose, that remind us the nocturnal journey by foot of the farmers toward Florence. The most beautiful creations, like the decorated pumpkins (the tradition of these is more recent, but disappeared during the second Postwar Period ) parade and awards are presented every year.

The first Sunday after the 13th of September is the “Festa del Perdono”: where we remember the remission of sins, that happened exactly on Sunday, and assumed the features of a city fair with moments of celebration and market.

Every third Sunday of the month (except for July and August) the historical centre of San Giovanni Valdarno hosts the antiquarian, modern antiques and vintage markets and that of the creative arts, dedicated to the works of your own inventiveness.

In September, from 2013, takes place this tourist ride with old bikes and wool sweaters, mainly run in the territory of San Giovanni and famous for her food and wine stops, in partnership with local companies In recent years reached a regional importance and was included in the circuit Coppa Toscana Vintage.
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