70 years after Hurricane Carol in Providence and 60 years after the Great Flood of Florence—a landmark transatlantic retrospective on climate and cultural preservation.
In 1954, Hurricane Carol drove a 12-foot ocean surge through downtown Providence. Just twelve years later, the Arno River overflowed, burying Florence beneath 18 feet of water and mud. Created for the 25th anniversary of the Providence–Florence Friendship Pact, Sott'Acqua ("Under Water") brought these twin disasters into conversation. Through historic archives, climate panels, artisan workshops, and music, the 2024 festival explored how memory drives modern water stewardship.
When Hurricane Carol made landfall, ocean waters swept through the financial district in minutes, submerging downtown under eight feet of water. The destruction redefined Providence's relationship with its coastline, directly inspiring the engineering behind the landmark Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.
Over 18 feet of water submerged Florence overnight, endangering more than 14,000 irreplaceable artworks and millions of manuscripts. The disaster sparked an unprecedented international rescue effort led by young volunteers known as the Angeli del Fango (Mud Angels), cementing Florence as the world capital of restoration science.
Hosted at Grace Church, a dual photo exhibit paired David Lees' Life Magazine 1966 Florence photos with Providence Journal 1954 Hurricane Carol archives, alongside 13 youth workshops on history, stone conservation, and paper marbling.
In partnership with Brown University and Save The Bay, 12 dedicated programs convened climate scientists, urban planners, and policy leaders. Key events included public panels on coastal flood mitigation and guided tours of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.
Cultural programming included a flagship opera concert co-performed by Florence's Maggio Musicale and the RI Philharmonic for 600 guests, alongside Osteria Toscana culinary pop-ups and wine tastings celebrating regional Tuscan heritage.
Browse the official event photo gallery by Jacqueline Paiva, capturing the 9-day festival across 10 downtown Providence locations—from opening galas and Brown University climate panels to live artisan masterclasses and musical performances.
Explore featured articles, print publications, and media coverage.
Coverage of the festival's return to Providence, highlighting cultural exchanges, climate change awareness, and the historic transatlantic ties uniting Rhode Island and Florence.
A feature on the Splendor of Florence festival taking over the historic Tilden-Thurber building in downtown Providence, bringing traditional Italian craftsmanship, art, and cultural programming to Rhode Island.
A feature in Providence Monthly highlighting the Splendor of Florence festival, celebrating authentic Italian artisan traditions, cultural exchanges, and community events across Rhode Island.
A feature on an exhibition highlighting the shared history, flood resilience, and cultural connections between Providence and Florence.
Coverage of the Splendor of Florence festival hosted at Brown University, featuring film screenings, discussions on flood resilience, and cultural exchange between Italy and Providence.
Coverage of the Splendor of Florence festival exploring the shared flood histories of Florence and Providence, focusing on climate change awareness, historic environmental events, and transatlantic solutions.
Televised news reports, festival highlights, and interviews with the founder of Splendor of Florence.
NBC 10 WJAR feature on the festival's return to Providence, highlighting cultural heritage, art restoration, and climate resilience.
WPRI 12 News segment highlighting the festival's return to Providence, celebrating Florentine art, craftsmanship, and local cultural connections.
Television coverage highlighting the Splendor of Florence festival in Providence, celebrating Italian artistry, heritage, and local cultural exhibits.
Personal statements and official addresses from global dignitaries and cultural partners.
Journalist Soledad O'Brien introduces Franco Zeffirelli's 1966 flood documentary at Brown University for the Splendor of Florence Festival, reflecting on the power of film, global support, and community resilience.
Mayor of Florence Sara Funaro delivers an official address celebrating 25 years of sister-city friendship with Providence, honoring her grandfather Mayor Piero Bargellini, and reflecting on shared flood resilience.
President of Tuscany Eugenio Giani highlights the historic ties between Tuscany and Rhode Island, connecting Hurricane Carol in Providence to the 1966 Florence flood and emphasizing transatlantic climate resilience.
Building on the dialogue of our 2024 Sott'Acqua retrospective, join us in Italy for our upcoming 60th-anniversary festival in Florence, or explore over twenty-five years of past festivals and cultural archives.