Fall is HERE! And with fall, there is a virtual bounty of offerings and I wanted to share a few with YOU – and hopefully entice you to start planning on joining me – perhaps here in Florence or some of the other appealing destinations here in Italia!
Celebrations steeped in tradition, exquisite world-class art exhibits, community events and MORE!
♥ Stay tuned, YOUR Boots on the Ground in the Boot is going to be celebrating something very special!
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♦ Carro Matto! Pageantry and a Crazy Cart! ♦
Every autumn Florence opens its streets to celebrate the ancient ritual of wine and harvest, the Bacco Artigiano. Held the last weekend of September, the highlight is the last day when, among pageantry, pomp and tradition, the Carro Matto , “crazy cart”, arrives.
This year, with lots of fanfare, it arrived in Piazza della Signoria, the wooden wagon stacked with hundreds of flasks – the straw covered fiaschi once a symbol of Tuscan wine – flanked by drummers, and performers in medieval costume.
♦ Salute!
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♥ Walking for a Cause: Corri la Vita ♥
On Sunday, September 28th, Florence was ready to welcome over 38,000 participants for the twenty-third edition of Corri la Vita.
Founded in 2003, Corri la Vita’s main mission is to support women affected by breast cancer, funding projects related to prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, assistance, and psychological support.
Since its inception over 9.3 million euros have been donated, providing asssitance to over 500,00 women in their fight against breast cancer.
For a 10 euro donation, participants receive a t-shirt (this year sponsored by Ferragamo) which allows them free entry into numerous museums and local sites.
♥ Truly a community event!
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♥ A “Soleful” Museum! ♥
One of the many museums/sites open for Corri la Vita was the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum.
Located in the iconic Ferragamo store, there is a special exhibition, “Salvatore Ferragamo 1898-1960” is a stunning tribute to an extraordinary man.
Retracing his life and incredible creativity and talents – the exhibit walks you from his beginnings (from Naples to California) where he became literally, “shoemaker to the stars” and integrated technical abilities with his study of the anatomy of the human foot resulting in innovative styles, patented inventions, and absolutely gorgeous footwear.
Returning to Italy, Florence, his artisanship, spectacular designs, and commitment to excellence and his close relationship with so many iconic Hollywood and jet set luminaries. (such as Marlene Dietrich, Ingrid Bergman, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, the Duchess of Windsor, and so many others) – his reputation and legacy continues to endure. After his passing in 1960, thanks to his wife, Wanda who was a business woman and the head designer until 2018, and now by his family.
The exhibit has been extended until April 6, 2026. It you are in or will be in Florence, I highly recommend visiting!
More: www.museo.ferragamo.com
Also, look for the 2020 documentary about Salvatore: “Shoemaker of Dreams”
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In addition there will be a bounty of beautiful art! World-class exhibits here in Florence and nearby…to name a few:
♦ Beato Angelico ♦
Palazzo Strozzi & Museo di San Marco, (September 26, 2025 – January 15, 2026)
An unprecedented event showcasing over 140 masterpieces dedicated to beatific works of Fra Angelico, and several of his contemporaries of the 15th century (e.g., Masaccio, Filippo Lippi). Already heralded as a blockbuster event – it promises to be, literally, divine!
I will be attending on October 16, watch my social media for photos etc. and if you are in or will be visiting Florence, this is not to be missed.
For more information & tickets: Fra Angelico – Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi
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♥ Toulouse-Lautrec: A Journey Through Belle Epoque Paris ♥
Museo degli Innocenti, Florence, (September 27, 2025 -February 22, 2026)
Over 170 works by the French artist along with period furnishings, artifacts, and works by contemporaries immerse you into the cafe-concert gaiety of Toulouse-Lautrec’s colorful fin-de-siecle Montmarte!
Exhibit admission also includes the museum exhibit and art collection which is definitely worth visiting!
More info: www.museodegliinnocenti.it
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♦ More Paris! Belle Epoque in Pisa ♦
Palazzo Blu, Pisa (October 15, 2025 – April 7, 2026)
“…a unique journey into the heart of 19th-century Paris. the capital of elegance and modernity, told through masterpieces from prestigious museums – including the Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Uffizi Galleries…-as well as important private collections presented to the public for the first time.” – Palazzo Blu
More info: https://palazzoblu.it/mostra/belle-epoque
