For many centuries, the Festival of San Lorenzo has been celebrated in Florence on the 10th of August (Notte di San Lorenzo).

The basilica and the surrounding area (both named after San Lorenzo) were the scene of magnificent celebrations involving the whole city.

In renaissance Florence the bakers were very fond of this saint and his festival, having chosen San Lorenzo who died on the gridiron as their patron saint.

Many bakers worked in the area of San Lorenzo, decorating their shops with bread made in fanciful shapes, and pasta makers prepared thin pasta that was cut into large strips with a crimped edge: lasagne but

they were actually pappardelle.