March is slated to be such a fun, exciting month in Florence. We all hope that the rain will be less, and the sun will come visit us more. Picnics, food fairs, musical concerts and much more. Don’t forget that ‘feste delle donne’ aka. women’s day is on the 8th [not that anyone cares] but if you like mimosa flowers – I am certain that on March 9th the city will be pollinated in them so get out your allergy medicine in advance ;-). Personally I am looking forward to a bit of {warmer sunshine} and the opportunity for picnics in cascine park, a visit to the Rose garden and hopefully a bit of hiking. Here is my top list of what’s going on this month and don’t forget to let me know what I missed!

• Women’s day | Women Artists and Wikipedia editing marathon, March 7th, Syracuse University, Piazza Savonarola 15. I spoke about this when I went on a special tour focusing on women artists at Palazzo Pitti, but now the wikipedia edit-a-thon is finally here! A truly exciting chance to mingle with some fellow art lovers and make sure these women artists get an online ‘home of their own’ on wikipedia, a very very important cause as you can imagine!

From The Florentine: Entries or edits spotlighting each artist’s life and works can be crafted on site at the Women Artists and Wikipedia event or sent to [email protected] by March 7. By writing to the same address, volunteers can sign up to ‘adopt an artist’ or receive additional information including a list of suggested artists. Entries can be written in English or Italian. No prior Wikipedia experience needed. Attendees should bring their own laptops, tablets and power cords. Admission is free.

• Food Fair: Taste by Pitti Immagine: March 8-10th at Stazione Leopolda {Viale Fratelli Rosselli, 5, 50144 Firenze, Italy}. The biggest fair with 300 firms for foodies and the 9th edition titled ‘In Viaggio con le diversita del gusto’ – ‘traveling with the diversity of taste’. Food, wine, fairs, off-site ‘fuoriditaste events’. Go through the special ‘taste tour’ and discover new flavors and trends in this ever-expanding industry. It’s pretty cool and I recommend visiting if you get the chance.

• Carnival food fair: Frittelle sagra in San Donato in Collina, Rignano sull’arno – Until March 30th, every Sat & Sun, as you probably already know carnival is upon us which means the magical goodies of carnival are also in abundance, think frittelle, cenci and now you can even visit a fun food fair featuring fried balls of sugar dough. Honestly, I would quite happily stuff my face with these treats every day if I could!

• Art Exhibit | The next exhibit to grace the wonderful gallery of Palazzo Strozzi in Florence Italy is Pontormo & Rosso Fiorentino, Diverging Paths of Mannerism from March 8 – July 20th. , an exhibit devoted to the work of Pontormo and of Rosso Fiorentino, the two painters who were without question the most original and unconventional adepts of the new way of interpreting art in that season of the Italian Cinquecento which Giorgio Vasari called the ‘modern manner’.

• St. Patricks Day | Irlanda in Festa – St. Patty day party at the Obihall – Saschall space from March 13-15th, starting at 7:30pm. Think Irish music, food, a lot of people and plenty of beer {naturally}. I’ve been a few times and it is pretty fun, you can take the number 14 bus from the city center to get to Obihall. Browse the concert lineup and get more info here.

• Art | Visits to the Vasari Corridor, until April 30th. Built in 1565 as a secret passageways of the residences of the Medici family, this is a must-see for anyone who appreciates Florentine history & art. The best part is that these visits are far from expensive, instead they are included with the price of the Uffizi museum on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Bookings at: Firenze Musei (tel. +39 055 294883). More info here.

• Tea with a view | Un tè con te all’Hotel Baglioni . Until May 31, one of my favorite Hotel’s in Florence {the view from the terrace is amazing} is offering a special tea infusion with a pastry or delicious treat from the chef from 5pm onwards at their American bar. Only € 5.50! To reserve a spot email [email protected] or visit their FB page

• Wine Tasting | Wine tour & oil tasting – March 23 – at il Palagio di Panzano in Chianti. 4 types of wines and olive oi along with a guided tour of the vineyard and cantina for a minimum of 2 people for 12 euros a person, email [email protected] or call +39 3665362549.

I will keep this list updated throughout the month so make sure to check back, and email me if there is an event you think I should add – I am always curious to know about anything I might have missed!