Remarks
While Santa Maria Novella Square was the venue for cocchi, the chariot races inspired by ancient times, and while the Scoppio del carro (where a float laden with fireworks is set alight) still takes place in the Duomo Square, the Santa Croce Square is once again the site for a traditional competition, restarted in 1986, between the city's four districts - the calcio storico a kind of football cum wrestling match, played in 16C costume, without any set rules. A joyful Renaissance procession crosses the city from Santa Maria Novella to open the St John's Day festivities. The winning team is presented with a white calf which provides the wherewithal for a vast communal banquet to end the celebration.