Beauty in the Lesser-Known

Today, obtaining the label of a “tourist” seems like one big insult. Tourists typically flock towards the city centers, pay for overpriced food/drinks and don’t allow themselves to adapt to the culture that they are in. Then there are those who find beauty in the lesser-known places. The lesser-known places are often everyday places that locals spend their time. In Florence, a vast majority of locals live in the Oltrarno area otherwise known as the “other side of the river.”

A lesser known event for tourists, but a well known event for locals, is the Firenze Jazz Fringe Festival. This festival brings in the best Italian and international jazz music to Florence and is dedicated to the Oltrarno community and it’s beauty. The festival is four days long and consists of different groups of musical talent. The musical talent ranges from break dancing, to Girlesque- an all girl burlesque style band and Don Karate, a trio of men all playing different instruments. The festival is held at different locations throughout Oltrarno and definitely a go-to for authentic Italian entertainment.