Florence celebrates the Epiphany today with a re-enactment of the story of the Magi.
Now in its 18th year, the event, organized by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, refers to an ancient tradition dating back to the 15th century, when a group of people united in the company of Santi Re Magi organized a procession called “Festa de’ Magi.”
The solemn procession is led by the Three Kings on horseback, wearing silk dresses, and is made of approximately 700 participants, including those representing the Florentine Republic.
The parade begins in Piazza Pitti at 2 p.m., and will wind through the streets of Florence’s historic center reaching Piazza Duomo at 3:30 p.m. Here, the Three Kings will lay their gifts at the foot of the living Nativity Scene.
Watch a video of the procession from last year:
