 by Susan Glasspool
Christmas in Florence
Christmas is coming. Florence begins tarting herself up so that her fine
festive clothing will make her more fascinating than ever. The streets are
brightly lit by the shop windows with
their wonderful wares, decorated, as only the Florentines know how, with
that mixture of good taste and tradition that is perhaps only to be found
in this city.
Florence in the snow |
Certainly the Christmas decorations in the streets of London or New
York are far more spectacular; here there is instead an intimate atmosphere,
a feeling of the past, perhaps the elegant refinement of the Renaissance
that comes to life again for just a fleeting instant at this time of the
year. Each street is decorated according to the tastes and inspiration
of its shopowners. Whether it is raining or freezing cold, with the north
wind blowing down from the mountains, the people seem to be merrier and
freer; their arms piled high with beautifully wrapped and beribboned parcels
and packages, they hurry round the streets of the city with red cheeks
and steaming breath; and take a good look at the faces of these Florentines:
haven't you already seen them before in one of the paintings in the Uffizi.
The ever rarer craft workshops,
that continue the traditions that have made Florence so famous all over
the world, are full of people, buying their hand made and, yes, today,
even factory made products, which however still maintain all the quality
of the past. The textiles, porcelain, silver and goldware, shoes and leatherwear
are part of this unique inheritance; therefore, when you buy something
here you will really be buying a bit of history as well. The churches
in Florence, so mystic and mysterious even for non Catholics, celebrate
one of the most profound moments of religion at Christmas time; solemn
masses, concerts and splendid Nativity scenes, some static, some mechanized,
are held to greet the birth of Christ. During the Christmas festivities
the city gets even more crowded and frenetic than usual but it is always
unique; it enchants the foreign visitors walking through it, especially
when they encounter the sound of the zampogna (a kind of bagpipes) or
the smell of roasting chestnuts. Perhaps this is one of the best times
to feel the real flavour of this ancient city - whose rich history is
so very important to the Florentines - which is also moving with the times
to prepare in the best possible way for the year 2000.
In collaboration with:
|
