Events
The “Il Bel San Giovanni” Award
Every year on January 29, the Society of St. John the Baptist celebrates the anniversary of its foundation by awarding the "The Bel San Giovanni" Prize to:Personalities or institutions who, for the work carried out in the most diverse fields of thought and action,...
The coronation of the Marzocco
If St. John the Baptist has been the religious symbol par excellence for centuries, one of the most important pagan symbols for Florence is the Marzocco, a lion erected and represented for decades in sculpture, painting and reality as a symbol of popular power. The...
The first born named Giovanni or Giovanna
A special prize will be awarded to the infant who will be born first in the territory of the Municipality of Florence on June 24 of each year and to whom the name of "Giovanni" or "Giovanna" has been imposed. The birth certificate must be received by the Society of...
Scopri i Fochi del 2025
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The society
History
The Society of St. John the Baptist was established with a “rescript” of January 29, 1796 by Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Tuscany. The young sovereign wanted to connect his figure to the most ancient Florentine tradition and the cult of the Baptist was always present in him in the most heartfelt forms.
Support us
Since 1796 it is the Society of St. John the Baptist Odv to organize for the City of Florence “Fochi” every year more spectacular and increasingly admired by all those who, on the evening of June 24, pour out on the banks of the Arno or crowd the terraces to be flooded with so much auspicious light. Do you want to support the culture and tradition of the city of Florence? You can do this by donating your 5×1000 to San Giovanni.
The Fire of St. John
Since 1796 it is the Society of St. John the Baptist Odv to organize for the City of Florence “Fochi” every year more spectacular and increasingly admired by all those who, on the evening of June 24, pour out on the banks of the Arno or crowd the terraces to be flooded with so much auspicious light.





