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Rificolona Festival, Tuscany

The late summer Rificolona festival is held in one of the world's great cultural centres, Florence.

Set to take place on September 7th, the evening event centres around a traditional children's lantern procession through the city streets, led by Florence's cardinal.

A large fair also takes place in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, featuring street performers as well as a wide variety of food stalls.

Many theories exist as to the event's origins, with some saying that it originally marked the triumphant entry into town by Florentine troops after a battle with Siena in 1555, who tied lanterns to their pikes.

Another theory concerns the market that used to take place in the city at this time of year many centuries ago.

Market traders from surrounding villages enter the city by candlelight after dark, dressed up in their best clothes for the occasion - only to be mocked by the more stylish city-dwellers.

It is said that local children, egged on by their amused parents, used to run among the traders, attempting to set them on fire with lanterns of their own!

Perhaps the best supporting evidence for this theory comes via Florentine slang - an overdressed woman is still known as a "Rificolona".

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Views and opinions in this article are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of James Villa Holidays(JVH). JVH provides no assurances regarding the accuracy of the information and cannot accept liability for complaints, loss or damage resulting from the article. It does not form part of the contract made when a holiday is booked with JVH and the information provided is not intended to be a rider or replacement to the booking conditions. Reference to the service or product of a third party, is not an endorsement or recommendation and JVH accepts no liability as a result of complaints, loss or damage arising from their use.