To celebrate Epiphany, on January 6th, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore organizes a historical re-enactment called “Cavalcata dei Magi” (literally “The Cavalcade of the Three Kings”). This glorious procession makes its way through the streets of the city centre every year, keeping an ancient tradition alive. Established back in the 15th century, it was so important that also the Medici family took part in the celebrations. At the head of the parade, the Magi, on horseback, wear rich silk clothes, inspired by the ones depicted in Benozzo Gozzoli’s fresco housed in a tiny chapel in Palazzo Medici Riccardi. 700 participants dressed in medieval costumes follow the Three Kings, among them are members of the Historical Parade of the Republic of Florence.
Once left Piazza Pitti, in the early afternoon, the procession parades through the ancient streets of the city centre: Via Guicciardini, Ponte Vecchio, Por Santa Maria,Via Lambertesca, the Uffizi Loggia, to finally reach Piazza del Duomo, where the Children’s Choir of the Cathedral has been singing Christmas carols.
After the greetings, the culverin fires a shot and the Three Wise Men lay their gifts in front of Christ child, at the live nativity scene. Soon after, the bishop of Florence reads and comments a passage from the Gospels dedicated to the Magi, and then welcomes the children coming from the numerous Florentine parishes. At the end of the ceremony, the parade walks back to the starting point.
