On 7 September, hundreds of children carry lanterns through the streets of Florence. Rificolona is a tradition that dates back to the late Middle Ages. In those days, a big annual market was held in Florence at the beginning of September. In order to reach the city on time, farmers had to leave the countryside well before dawn. They used lanterns to light their way, creating a colourful cortege. City folk later transformed this ritual into a procession of lanterns which culminates in a big party far into the night. The procession starts from Piazza San Giovanni.

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