Florence in May – Festivals, events and best gardens to visit

What to expect from Florence in May

1st of May Trofeo Marzocco flag throwing competition

May opens in Florence with a flag throwing event known as the ‘Trofeo Marzocco’ in the very impressive setting of Piazza Signoria. Different groups will join this competition to show off their skills and tricks with the flags, creating great acrobatic spectacles of colour. Join in the fun at this truly Florentine activity and enjoy the parade in historic costumes, all for free. The art of flag throwing dates back to the Medieval period in Italy, and for one day you’ll be transported back to those times. (Show starts at 3pm, see their FB page).

Visit two very special gardens in May – Rose Garden and Iris Garden

The iris flower is the symbol of Florence, and the iris garden offers a great multicoloured show in May (they’re at their best half way through the month depending on the weather). You’ll find more than a thousand varieties of Iris in this garden set on a steep hill overlooking Florence. It can be reached from Piazzale Michelangelo, and entrance is free. It’s a scenic spot perfect for taking photos and enjoying a flowery stroll. It’s usually open between 25th April to the last week of May (for 2024: from 25th April to 20th May 2024).

=> Discover Florence’s Best Gardens!

Nearby you find the Rose Garden, another scenic green space that offers wonderful views of the city. The roses are in full bloom in May, Florence stretches out languidly before your eyes, and there are even a few contemporary sculptures by Folon to keep you company.

=> Check out the 20 top experiences in Florence. And the city’s most fascinating museums.

Artigianato Fair – from 25th April to 1st May 2024

The traditional Festa dell’Artigianato – International Craft Fair – is held every year at the Fortezza in Florence. You’ll find artisans and their colourful original creations, coming to Florence from every corner of Italy and the world, from France to Peru, Morocco to Pakistan. An international feast of ideas and artisanal skills right in the centre of Florence.

Fiorita commemoration of Savonarola’s death – 23rd May

If you happen to walk around Florence city centre in the morning of the 23rd of May, you might see something unusual happening in Piazza Signoria. Flower petals are laid on the spot where, on 23rd May 1498, the religious zealot – friar Girolamo Savonarola – was executed and burnt, after ruling the Florentine Republic for four years. A parade in historical costume accompanies this symbolic gesture that commemorates that tragic time in the history of Florence.

Do you like the idea of a folkloric festival? Find out about Tuscany’s best traditional festivals.

Festa del Grillo – Cascine 

Does a Cricket Festival sound weird? Until a few years ago you could actually buy a small cage with a cricket inside (kids used to love it… I was one of them!) at this huge lively market held in the Cascine Park along the river Arno. The cricket, a symbol of spring, can be found today sold in form of a small toy. There are many stalls selling food, cheap clothing and various other items. It’s usually held at the end of May => this year 12th of May 2024.

Florence Flower Festival (25th April – 1st May 2024)

The annual flower festival will be brightening up Florence from 25th April to 1st May at the Giardino dell’Orticultura (just 15 minutes by bus from the city centre). It’s a week dedicated to the world of flowers and plants, with more than 60 stands from Tuscany and other parts of Italy – showing succulent, seasonal flowers, plenty of roses and bulbs, and local beautiful terracotta vases.

Check out all the best events and some ideas for your trip to Tuscany in May.

Contemporary Art at Palazzo Strozzi

If you’re visiting Florence in May you still have time to check out the exhibit dedicated to German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer. Renowned for his impactful works that addresses controversial themes and taboo of recent history, Kiefer presents some of his historical and new artworks at Palazzo Strozzi, engaging an interesting dialogue with Renaissance architecture. See more Art Exhibits in Florence in 2024.

Take a day trip – Nature and scenery near Florence

May is a busy time in Florence, and the city centre can get quite intense after a few days of sightseeing. Why not take a break from the crowds and head out to the Pratolino Park, near Vaglia north of Florence. It’s a vast green space that was once owned and restructured by the Medici family. You can walk, have a relaxing picnic and see the famous gigantic statue by Giambologna.

Another great day trip is the Medicean Villa Petraia. Located a few kilometres outside Florence, there is a terraced garden and a lovely interior that was refurbished by none other than the king of Italy.

For a nice breath of fresh air, the small village of Fiesole is just a short bus ride away, offering great views over Florence, plenty of green, and an ancient Roman theatre. You can take a walk up the hill to the Convento di San Francesco, a peaceful and scenic spot.

⇒ 7 Unique Things about Florence you have to experience!

=> 5 Amazing Flower Festivals in Tuscany

Florence in May – What’s the weather like?

The temperatures in May are ideal, average 24 degrees (74 F) max and 12/13 degrees (55 F) min. By the end of the month it gets a bit warmer (temperatures can reach 26 during the day, whereas evenings are always cooler at around 15 degrees). The chance of rain decreases in the second half of May (9 days average rainy day).

Overall May is a great time to be here. Bring layers, a medium-light jacket for the evening, during the day you need a light jacket or nothing.

(Post last update: March 2024)

Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.

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