New Year’s celebrations take place on the 1st of January every year, but in the cities of Pisa and Florence, they’re also held on the 25th of March! For anyone who would like to experience a second New Year’s festival, why not book some beautiful luxury villas near Pisa and Florence and celebrate the Christmas festivities all over again!
The reason why the New Year is celebrated twice is because between the 10th century and 1949, New Year’s Day clashed with the holy day of the Annunciation on March 25th. The annual calendar wasn’t the same then as it is now; it was marked by a type of solar clock.
The reason why the New Year is celebrated twice is because between the 10th century and 1949, New Year’s Day clashed with the holy day of the Annunciation on March 25th. The annual calendar wasn’t the same then as it is now; it was marked by a type of solar clock.
In the city of Pisa, on March 25th every year, a solar clock phenomenon can be witnessed from inside the Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli at midday. A ray of sunshine beams through the huge ornate round window of the cathedral and some of the light lands on a large marble egg sitting on a shelf of a large column. The column is right beside the beautiful pulpit made by Giovanni Pisano. A similar occurrence happens in Florence and ever since the 10th century the people of these cities and curious visitors celebrate this day as a New Year of a renewal in hope and rebirth!
In Florence, tourists can take part in the sacred 'Annunciation' pilgrimage to the Basilica dell'Annunciazione to pay homage to an image of the Annunciation which, according to legend, was created by the light of angels.
This historical procession involves a great number of locals dressing up in medieval costume and beautiful music is played as marching bands cheer the crowd through the streets. For those who wish to witness this heart-warming event from the beginning, head to the Palazzo Palagio di Parte Guelfa nearby where the procession begins at 3.30pm.
In Florence, tourists can take part in the sacred 'Annunciation' pilgrimage to the Basilica dell'Annunciazione to pay homage to an image of the Annunciation which, according to legend, was created by the light of angels.
This historical procession involves a great number of locals dressing up in medieval costume and beautiful music is played as marching bands cheer the crowd through the streets. For those who wish to witness this heart-warming event from the beginning, head to the Palazzo Palagio di Parte Guelfa nearby where the procession begins at 3.30pm.
In Pisa, on March 25th, visitors can enjoy guided tours of Piazza dei Miracoli where they can learn all about the history and legends of this wonderful event and a fantastic tour around the Cathedral where you can admire the many artworks and sculptures that adorn the walls and crevices.
A historical procession begins at 10am and heads towards the cathedral for the Sunbeam Ceremony at 11.30am. There is also a colourful Flower festival hosted here when a stunning array of colour and aromatic smells fill the air!
Read about some other thrilling Flower festivals in Tuscany that are truly a feast for the senses!
This would be a spectacular cultural experience to visit either one of these second New Year’s festivities.
A historical procession begins at 10am and heads towards the cathedral for the Sunbeam Ceremony at 11.30am. There is also a colourful Flower festival hosted here when a stunning array of colour and aromatic smells fill the air!
Read about some other thrilling Flower festivals in Tuscany that are truly a feast for the senses!
This would be a spectacular cultural experience to visit either one of these second New Year’s festivities.
Photo credits
picture 1: Clayton Tang / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Jebulon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: erinbrace / CC BY 2.0
picture 1: Clayton Tang / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Jebulon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: erinbrace / CC BY 2.0