Rising from the Arno

Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Flood in Florence

November 1 - 8, 2026

About the Commemoration

In November 2026, Splendor of Florence presents a landmark week-long program commemorating the 60th anniversary of the historic 1966 flood. Honoring the remarkable resilience of the Florentine people and the extraordinary global response that followed, the events celebrate the artisans, singers, and musicians whose artistry continues to define Florence as a beacon of world culture.

Schedule of Events

Schedule of Events | November 1–8, 2026

A Celebration of Opera

  • Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 PM
  • Location: Teatro Niccolini
  • Description: Soloists from the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino perform beloved opera classics.

The Children’s Chorus

  • Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 PM
  • Location: Basilica of Santo Spirito
  • Description: Young vocalists present a captivating blend of operatic favorites and contemporary sacred/secular works.

Rescuing Beauty from the Waters

  • Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
  • Time: Daytime
  • Location: Various Museums & Cultural Institutions
  • Description: Guided tours hosted by Friends of Florence featuring restored masterpieces and iconic cultural sites.

Mozart’s Requiem

  • Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 PM
  • Location: Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Description: A historic concert celebrating the Providence-Florence Friendship Pact, featuring the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra under Conductor Ruth Reinhardt.

Featured Initiatives

Solidarity Without Borders: Honoring the Mud Angels

Honoring the American students among the historic "Mud Angels," Florence-based American universities host a dedicated day of reflection for visiting students. Featuring Florentine eyewitnesses, restoration artisans, flood-prevention experts, and original Mud Angels, the program inspires a new generation to preserve Florence’s cultural legacy.

Virtual Photo Exhibition: David Lees

Experience the drama of November 4, 1966, through iconic photographs by LIFE magazine photographer David Lees. Returning to Florence after twenty years, this striking virtual exhibition immerses audiences in the devastation and ultimate triumph of the city.