As many of you may know, I recently returned from a short trip to the U.S. It was necessary to grow Sieme (from business perspective) but I do NOT recommend traveling right now if you can help it.

I am not going to sugar coat it.

Being so far from my family, in a country that sees personal freedom differently then we do in the U.S. has been especially challenging during the Pandemic. All of the reasons I LOVE living here that make the distance worth it; the piazzas (and the pizzas!), the historic cities, the Tuscan countryside and leisurely aperitivo, have been stripped away.

And so, when I discovered that this year the city of Florence would continue their holiday tradition of “decking the halls” and creating stunning light shows across the city, I was relieved. Until a week ago, Florence has been in another lockdown order for about one month. When asked why the city of Florence was spending money for decorations and light shows when almost no tourists or even locals were in the streets, the mayor replied…

“Because we need the light more than ever right now.” We need to show that we have faith through this darkness, faith that this period will end, and Florence will be Florence again.”

Taken from one of Florence’s most prolific inhabitants, the theme for this year’s light festival was inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy where he writes “From the dark forest to the light”). This year Florence will also mark his 700th birthday.

Via Tornabuoni is always draped in impressive holiday lights

Via Tornabuoni as you come in from the River Arno (the Ferragamo Palazzo would be to your right)

This year, the lights will be even bigger and brighter than years past. The Ponte Vecchio and historic municipal buildings will have their entire facades lit with Dante’s poems as well as the words “we are with you in the night” displayed in many languages to promote solidarity through our collective isolation. Even far-reaching piazzas outside the historic city center, representing every suburban district of the city will display light shows with messages of hope and togetherness for local inhabitants. Light beams will stream from the baptistries, our republic square and Florence’s first and oldest hospital as a symbol of resistance to honor first responders.

The Ponte Vecchio with quotes from Dante’s most famous poems displayed.

Abstract lightwork displayed on the Ponte Vecchio

An example of light installations extending to the residential and suburban zones

Even in the midst of a mandatory 14 - day quarantine, just knowing that the first thing I will do when I am “free” will be to take a stroll down Via Tornabuoni and take in the magnificence of these lights, fills me with so much hope! I always say that Florence is it’s best at golden hour, that wonderous hour when the sun is setting and the light casts a golden glow on the city. But Florence REALLY shows off during the holidays. It is as if all the colors of Tuscany, the warm creme colored stucco buildings, the deep green of the olive trees, the red tile roofs, are all supercharged by the golden glow of our holiday lights.

Ancient watch towers lit up across the city in traditional Florentine violet

And so, wherever you are reading this in the world, I want to bring some of the magic, resistance and solidarity of our Florence lights to you. During a weird holiday season, I hope they will bring you as much faith as they have brought to me. They are a reminder that we are almost through this darkness, the light is here, it is growing and soon we will be together again.

And when you can, I suggest coming to Florence and Tuscany once in your life during this time. Trust me, you won’t be sorry (and don’t worry, our winter weather is much milder too)

May your holidays be filled with light. Thank you for helping me to get through a tough year… cheers to seeing you in person in Florence in 2021.

Love and Light,

Cassandra

Founder + Designer

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