The making and remaking of Calcio Storico Fiorentino , from fascist civic festival to intangible cultural heritage

Calcio Storico Fiorentino (CSF), a reenactment of a 16th-century ball game, serves as a dynamic symbol reflecting Florentine identity and political narratives across eras. Originally reinvented in 1930 under fascist rule to consolidate power, it later became a post-war emblem of resistance and self-determination for communists. Today, CSF represents a form of cultural resistance against the commercialization and 'invasion' of Florence's historic center, which has displaced residents to the outskirts. This study, based on long-term archival and ethnographic research, traces the evolution of CSF, highlighting its role in shaping Florentine identity and its contested political significance over time.

Nardini, D. (2026). The making and remaking of Calcio Storico Fiorentino , from fascist civic festival to intangible cultural heritage. History and Anthropology, 37(2), 282–305. https://doi.org/10.1080/02757206.2026.2615882