The Calcio Storico Fiorentino is an annual, violent sport held in Florence, combining elements of football, rugby, wrestling, and boxing. Fifty-four players engage in a brutal 50-minute match on June 24, a public holiday for San Giovanni, attracting around 4,000 fervent supporters to Piazza di Santa Croce. This historic contest mirrors the ancient gladiatorial games and showcases the wrestling prowess and combat skills of modern participants.
The Calcio Storico Fiorentino is an intense sport held annually in Florence, Italy. Described as a brutal amalgamation of football, rugby, wrestling, and bare-knuckle boxing, this event features a 50-minute, unrestricted melee where athletes engage in physical combat.
On June 24, a public holiday celebrating San Giovanni, 54 competitors enter a sandy arena, showcasing their muscular frames, scars, and tattoos. The event draws approximately 4,000 passionate fans, who create a lively atmosphere in the otherwise tranquil Piazza di Santa Croce.
Contrasting with the city’s romantic image, this ancient sport, originating from the Middle Ages, resembles the violent contests of gladiators in ancient Rome. Tourists should be aware that the square transforms dramatically, losing its usual crowds for an exhilarating battle that honors Florentine culture and tradition.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
