Category: Sports > Calcio
One of the oldest team sports still played today is called "Calcio Storico," an ancient form of football that originated in 16th-century Florence, Italy. Calcio Storico is a blend of soccer, rugby, and wrestling, where teams of 27 players compete on a rectangular field with the aim of scoring by throwing a ball into the opposing team's goal. The sport is steeped in history and tradition, with matches played during the Feast of San Giovanni, Florence's patron saint, each June. The teams represent different neighborhoods of Florence, and the event has become a vibrant display of local pride and cultural heritage. Spectators are treated to a spectacle of not just athleticism but also colorful period costumes and lively parades, making Calcio Storico a unique and enduring celebration of Florentine identity.