FESTA DEL GRILLO: Festival of Crickets
Whoever thought bugs weren’t fun has never been to the Festa Del Grillo! The famous Festival of Crickets held annually in Florence is a strange tradition and feast that dates back to the 16th century and is held at the Park of the Cascine where crickets are sold in colorfu, hand woven cages. According to tradition if a man decorates his beloved's doors or windows with flowers and gives her a cricket, luck would favour him in love. Days leading on to the festival children hunt for crickets to cage them. The male crickets have a yellow stripe to make them discernible. Crickets that sing are believed to bring the household luck. The children would capture them in wicker baskets and take them the park on the day of the feats and release the crickets. Although I have never been myself (a bit squemish with bugs) I hear there is fantastic food such as braised sausages and artichokes for those looking for more feast than fest.
For more info: Florence Tourist Office Tel. (+39) 055-233-20