Florence is home to a terrifically violent sport that combines soccer, rugby, and wrestling. The Calcio Storico Fiorentino is a major spectacle in June in Florence. There are four neighborhoods that participate in the games, with semifinal and final matches occurring in front of the Santa Croce church. They cover the stone pavements with dirt and bring in bleachers for fans to watch the games. 

The final game is played on St. John the Baptist's feast day. This sport is perfect for the rough and tumble saint.

We were walking through Florence when we came upon this parade. The red color indicates the Santa Maria Novella team.