About the Calcio Storico Fiorentino

DESCRIPTION:

The Calcio Storico Fiorentino, often called Calcio Fiorentino, can be considered sport's answer to anger management. This traditional sport of Florence, Italy, dates back to the 16th century and combines soccer, rugby, and wrestling in an exciting, violent, and vibrant spectacle. It originated from the Roman sport of harpastum, which Roman generals used to keep legionnaires fit and in top fighting condition beginning in 59 BC.

The game is played in the Piazza Santa Croce, on a field of sand, twice a year in June as part of the San Giovanni celebrations, honoring St. John the Baptist, the city's patron saint. Four teams represent the four quarters of the city: Santa Croce (Blue), Santo Spirito (White), Santa Maria Novella (Red), and San Giovanni (Green). Each team comprises 27 players.

Once the players are on the field, a historic cannon fires to begin the match. The game's objective is to throw the ball over a designated spot on the opponent's side of the field. Players employ a free-for-all strategy of violence and technique, using any means necessary to achieve victory. A lack of rules leads to extreme scrambling, pushing, and tackling that would be considered illegal in most modern contact sports.

The most famous game was held in 1530 during the siege of Florence, seen as an act of defiance against the attacking forces.

Today, Calcio Storico Fiorentino is a source of immense local pride. The annual games draw large crowds, including a parade of participants dressed in historical costumes. The tournament winners are awarded a white calf, keeping with centuries of tradition.

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