The 4 teams from each section of the City, costumed in medieval dress, dates 
from the early 1400's, but the most famous match took place in 1530, as a 
demonstation of city pride, and as a gesture of derision, toward Charles V, 
during his seige, when he was attempting to restore the Medici. 
  
"Calcio" (kick), was revived in 1898 in tribute to Italian Americans.
The game itself originates from ancient times; it is actually derived from a 
ball game played by by the Romans.The British, "borrowed" it, and after 
considerably changing it, developed Rugby, and then Soccer, and made it 
popular throughout the world.
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THIS HISTORIC FLORENTINE FOOTBALL GAME

'Football in Costume'

Apart from offering exceptional documents of art and history and a unique 
panorama from the surrounding pleasant and fertile hills, the city of 
Florence also boasts a rich programme of artistic and cultural events. 
However, the event which the inhabitants really love and get enthusiastic 
about, is without doubt the traditional historic revival of 'Calcio in 
Costume' or 'Football in Costume', which takes place every year in the month 
of June during the celebrations for St John the Baptist, the patron saint of 
the city. 'Football in Costume' is also a reminder of the time when, during 
the rule of the powerful Florentine Republic in the 16th century, Florence 
decided to play the traditional game of football at Carnival time (on 17th 
February 1530) as a gesture of challenge and derision towards its enemies 
when under siege by the Imperial troops of Charles V.
 
Piazza Santa Croce

The match was held in Piazza Santa Croce, and one of the unusual features of 
this particular game was the group of Florentine musicians, who performed on 
top of the roof of the Basilica so as to be better seen and heard by the 
enemy encamped on top of the hill of Giramonte. All of a sudden the music was 
interrupted by a cannonade fired by the Imperial artillery, though luckily 
the shot passed right overhead without causing any damage: it was answered by 
a great deal of noise from the instruments as well as catcalls from the 
Florentine musicians. Historians tell us that it was wonderful to see how the 
entire population, ever intolerant of oppression, flocked towards the square 
and with true Florentine spirit gave voice to patriotic and loud shouts of 
'Marzocco, Marzocco'.
 
Italian-American Celebrations

The traditional game was not played for a period of about a century and a 
half until it was revived in 1898 for the Italian-American celebrations in 
honour of Paolo Toscanelli and Amerigo Vespucci. This match, together with 
several others that followed it, made the Florentines so enthusiastic about 
it that eventually, in 1930, the civic committee, which had been set up for 
the fourth centenary of the siege and the death of Francesco Ferrucci, 
decided to perpetuate the ancient custom, taking its inspiration from the 
historic game played on 17th February 1530.
  
It was decided that the game was to be based on that particular historic 
event, with the same costumes, flags, militia, arms, rules, commands and 
sounds. Every year Florence is thus inflamed by its game of football in 
costume that seems almost by magic to give the city a 16th-century atmosphere 
again.

The games have been regularly held inside the ancient city walls ever since 
(except for a pause during the Second World War), to the enthusiasm of the 
inhabitants and the team supporters, as well as to the ecstatic admiration of 
all the tourists who are irresistibly attracted here in June to watch this 
fascinating game of ancient football.
 
The Game Itself Originates From Ancient Times

The game itself originates from ancient times; it is actually derived from a 
ball game first played by the Greeks and then by the Romans. In Greece it was 
called sferomachia while the Romans called it arpasto; it was played on a 
pitch covered in sand. Calcio or, as it was called then, arpasto, was played 
in Florence by the Roman legionaries of ancient 'Florentina' from the very 
earliest times. The name changed from arpasto to calcio right here in 
Florence and, with new and well-defined rules, eventually arrived at the 
present day, when the British, after considerably changing it, made it 
popular throughout the world.
 
As many as 530 people in Renaissance costumes participate in this 
unforgettable performance, which has four teams of players representing the 
historic boroughs of Florence. The winning side receives a white calf as a 
prize.
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A KICK INTO THE PAST

Football, as a discipline albeit non properly sportive, but as a moment of 
show is born in Florence,in the period when "Florentia" was a Roman colony. A 
game which used to be the main attraction  to celebrate particular festive 
occasions or extraordinary events, even is with slight nuances of meaning, 
has maintained this connotation in historical epochs.
 
Today Historical costume football matches represent a great tourist 
attraction, whereas for the city of Florence and all its "rioni", it's 
reminiscing journey into the past. It takes place during the festivities of 
the Hoy Patron of the Tuscan capital: San Giovanni Battista, which is on the 
24th of June. During this occasion the four city rioni (neighbourhoods) face 
each other on the game terrain, in three relentless games, lasting 50 minutes 
each

The city with the respective supporters divides into four rioni (although 
once they were subdivided in districts) which have taken their name from the 
main church inside that constituency. 
The rioni are recognised by the Florentines with the colour of their 
gonfalon: 
Santo Spirito Rione "white"; Santa Croce Rione "blue"; San Giovanni Rione 
"green" and Santa Maria Novella Rione "red".

Normally three games are played: two direct qualifying ones and the final. 
But the show s not limited to the sole game, there is also a historical 
parade, where over five hundred costumed walk- ons, is an inspiring moment of 
historical Football.

A colour display explodes when the "Bandierai degli Uffizi" come into the 
square to spin the posters of the main "magistrature e degli uffici" that 
existed in 17th century Florentine Republic. At the end the Capitano di 
Guardia performs the collective greeting of the figures and introduces the 
prize for the victorious rione: the white heifer, which is now just a figure 
whereas once it was roasted during the celebrations of the winning rione.

The beginning of the game is marked by the explosion of a number of shots 
from the "colubrina", and at this point the fifty-four footballers come onto 
the field, twenty-seven for each part. For fifty minutes there are passes, 
aerial catches and huddles which liven up a game which is very felt by the 
rionali and by the players themselves.

The objective of the footballers is to score a "caccia": scoring in the 
opponents goal marked by a shot from the colubrina which sanctions the point. 
When time is up the rione that ends up with a greater number of cacce 
receives symbolically the white heifer which is taken by the whole 
footballers' team.
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Costumed Football in Florence 

If you want a break from football in Japan and Korea head for Florence - you 
will find even more football in June - an exciting, costumed football which 
dates from the medieval times!

The patron saint of Florence is Saint John the Baptist. His feast day is June 
24. 

St John the Baptist 

Before scientists worked out a way of measuring the longest day of the year, 
"Midsummer's Day" was considered to be about the 24th June. This was the day 
the naked eye could see the sun change it's path. It was connected with 
magic, witchcraft, bonfires and lots of pagan traditions. The Christian 
Church supplanted this holiday with the feast of St John the Baptist. Some 
traditions and festas continued. Celebrations in Florence go on for nearly 3 
weeks, culminating in a very spectacular firework display in the late evening 
of June 24. 

Feasts, Fairs and Festivals: Mirrors of Renaissance Society 

The main theme of the festa is a very unique costumed football competition. 
Four teams take part in this spectacle, one from each of the ancient 
quarters. There are 27 men on each team, dressed in medieval costumes. These 
football matches continue a tradition in Florence from the early 15th 
century. The actual game is a blend of soccer, rugby and wrestling. It is 
said to originate from an ancient Roman ball sport. There is a costumed 
procession through the streets of Florence before each match. The football is 
carried ceremonially in the middle. You can also enjoy the flag throwing and 
drums that are essential parts of any medieval parade. 

The football match takes place in Piazza Santa Croce which is covered in dirt 
for the occasion. Basically there are no rules, getting a goal in any way 
possible is the aim of each man playing. Anything goes as long as the ball 
goes over the opponents line! The prize for the winning team is a big street 
party with a whole calf to roast and eat as the centre piece of the party! 

The historical football matches are the central elements of the celebrations 
for the feast of San Giovanni. The final match is on the 24th June and the 
day ends with a fabulous firework display. This display takes place from the 
terraced gardens in Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the city.
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