Some of Florence’s most enduring traditions are not written in guidebooks at all — they are passed on quietly, gesture by gesture, at family tables and market stalls. This is the Florence of everyday superstition: unassuming, deeply local, and rarely explained to outsiders.
The New Year’s ritual of “throwing out the old”
Until relatively recently, some Florentine households welcomed the new year by tossing old, unwanted objects from their windows at midnight — a symbolic clearing of misfortune to make room for a fresh start. The custom has softened over generations, but its spirit survives in the city’s enthusiasm for New Year fireworks and gatherings along the Arno.
Touching iron, not wood
Where much of the world “touches wood” to ward off bad luck, Tuscans traditionally touch iron — “tocca ferro” — often reaching for the nearest metal door handle or railing. The custom is thought to descend from ancient beliefs in iron’s protective, almost talismanic properties, a tradition explored in various Italian folklore studies referenced on Italian folklore resources.
Frequently asked questions
What does “tocca ferro” mean?
Literally “touch iron” — the Tuscan equivalent of “touch wood,” performed to ward off bad luck after an unfortunate remark or event.
Are these traditions still practised today?
Many Florentines observe them half-jokingly, yet the gestures persist — a testament to how deeply folklore is woven into daily life in the city.
Ask your concierge about the small rituals locals still observe — the kind of detail that turns a holiday into a genuine window onto Florentine life.
Continue the story in person: this highly-rated small-group Uffizi Gallery tour with Vasari Corridor access is one of the best ways to see the art and history of Florence up close.
Want a guidebook to take with you? This Florence & Tuscany travel guide on Amazon is a handy companion for planning your own route through the city.
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