Recently updated on January 14th, 2020 at 01:39 pm
If you’re lucky enough to be travelling in Florence in amazing Italy this month, you’re in for a cultural treat. Both the Artisans and the Palace and the International Iris Competition are being held in the charming city in May, bringing you crafts and flowers from around the world in two events that Florence locals are sure to want to be seen at.
From 14 to 16 May 2010 the three day affair, Artisans and the Palace, will be held at Florence’s Palazzo Corsini. This rare event brings together craftsmen, skilled workers and artisans from all over Europe to demonstrate their pottery, glass works and restored furniture in open-air workshops.
The Artisans and the Palace fair will give you more than you’d find in a standard fair or bazaar, as it’s a unique demonstration of the traditional skills of each artisan, which gives you a special insight to the core of Florence and its deep-rooted industries.
If you prefer tending to flower beds than to sculptures, you should certainly head to the International Iris Festival. Each year between 10 and 15 May global gardeners flock to Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo for the world renowned Iris Garden which opens its gates to the eager green-fingered public, for the International Iris Competition. Expect to see the most attractive flowers, scrupulously cultured over generations by the precise hands of their faithful keepers; something all gardeners will appreciate.
All the different blooms are judged on the basis of the quality of their colour, shape, aroma and all round health. A very special prize, Fiorino D’oro, is awarded to the flower which looks most similar to the iris on the coat of arms of the city of Florence. The overall closing prize giving ceremony is held at Palazzo Vecchio if you stay to see who has the most beautiful flowers!
Even if you’re not passionate about flowers in particular, it will be a refreshing splash of early summer colour in one of Italy’s most handsome cities and you’ll really feel like you’re part of the community.
What do you love about Florence? Let us know in the comment box below and we’ll post the best ones in our community!
Read more on the Artisans and the Palace event here
Learn more about the International Iris Festival here