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A race for the patron saint of Florence St. Reparata, Virgin & Martyr
[Susan Glasspool]
October brings another traditional Florentine event, linked this time to the celebrations for the feast day of St. Reparata, one of Florence's patron saints. The story behind the event dates back to the late 12th century, when the Ostrogoths, under the command of King Radagaiso, were slowly working their way down the peninsula towards Rome, laying waste and destruction wherever they went.
Naturally when they reached Florence they set it to seige, hoping to starve it into surrender. Their fame however had reached Florence long before their arrival so that the city had plenty of time to organise its defences.
The barbarian troops surrounded the city but, fortunately for Florence, in August 406, the Roman army commanded by Stilicho arrived on the scene. The terrible battle that ensued (August 23rd 406) forced the enemy to flee, leaving about one hundred thousand dead on the field and saving the city. Word immediately flew around the city that St. Reparata had protected Florence on the day of the battle and was thus to be thanked for the Roman victory.
The city gratefully dedicated the new Cathedral to the Saint, who had also converted many people to Christianity. Celebrations in her memory have been held on October 8th ever since.
St. Reparata was remembered as one of the Patron Saints of Florence even after building started on the new Cathedral dedicated to Santa Madre di Dio (Mary Mother of God) in 1296, and her church (whose remains can be seen in the crypt of the Cathedral), was used for religious services right up until 1354.
For over two centuries, this date has symbolised the city’s liberation from the siege of the barbarians.
Apart from the religious celebrations, one of the most popular events was once a horse race that started out just below San Gaggio, where the rescuing Roman army was first sighted in 406, and ended at Porta Romana. The race then continued on foot as far as the area of the Old Market, the ancient Roman Forum, which stood more or less where Piazza della Repubblica stands today.
Nowadays this race is really a re-enactment and limited to 20 football players, five from each quarter partecipating in the historic Florentine football games (the Whites from Santo Spirito, the Blues from Santa Croce, the Greens from San Giovanni, the Reds from Santa Maria Novella), who compete carrying a lit torch and dressed in the costumes they usually wear during matches.
The procession of the Florentine Republic starts out at 4.30pm from Palagio di Parte Guelfa and moves to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore where the Bravěo or prize is blessed (5.15pm). The race itself starts out from Piazza San Giovanni (in front of the Archbishop's Palace), and covers a distance of 7 kilometres, with a team prize and an individual award.
The Bravěo of Santa Reparata is assigned to the Quarter that wins the highest marks, calculated by adding together the points made by each athlete. The quarter that wins the race twice keeps the Bravěo.
Don’t miss this original and characteristic event!
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