Splendor of Florence returns to celebrate the renewal of a 25-year-old Friendship Pact between Providence and Florence, Italy. The centerpiece of this year’s festival is Sott’ Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater, a photo exhibit of iconic photos of the 1966 flood in Florence by Life Magazine photographer, David Lees, and Providence Journal photos taken of the flood in downtown Providence after Hurricane Carol in 1954. The shared experiences inspired the festival to focus on the climate crisis and each city’s commitment to the protection of the environment. For 9-days, the festival will offer panel discussions and film screenings, presentations by an art historian and demonstrations by an expert in Renaissance painting techniques along with healthy doses of authentic Tuscan cuisine, wine and cheese tastings, Italian opera and creative workshops.
Sott’Acqua By the Numbers
9 days, 10 different downtown locations, connecting 2 countries and 2 cities, Italy and the U.S.
10 artisans, dignitaries, and musicians visiting from Florence
50 free activities spanning 10 days showcasing the shared resilience of these two cities
10 programs showcasing art exhibits and installations that honor cultural resilience
12 activities focused on climate challenges, preservation, and flood mitigation
8 culinary events offering Tuscan-inspired and Rhode Island specialties with a focus on sustainability
2 live performances celebrating the cultural heritage of Providence and Florence
600 number of people who will have access to The Splendor of the Opera Event conducted by the RI Philharmonic with Florence’s Maggio Musicale
13 workshops and events tailored for young learners on topics of history, art restoration, and climate science
100 local residents will learn about Providence’s Hurricane Barriers
$36 The approximate amount that each visitor is expected to spend during Sott’Acqua
Hurricane Carol (Providence, 1954):
- 90 mph-wind speed in Warwick, with gusts up to 105 mph.
- 4 feet, amount of storm surge in Narragansett Bay, exceeding the 1938 hurricane.
- 12 feet of water in downtown Providence
- 620 houses and 83 number of other buildings destroyed statewide.
- 95% of phone service was disrupted and the entire state lost power
- 17 number of deaths occurred across Rhode Island.
1966 Flooding in Florence:
- 25 percentage of total annual rainfall that fell in just 24 hours
- 7 meters (22 feet) water level in some areas
- 14,000 artworks and 3-4 million- number of books and manuscripts damaged or lost
- 70,000 homes and 6,000 commercial properties destroyed
Nora Barré is the Executive Director of the Downtown Providence Park Network and as an advocate for democratic public spaces, believes they should be protected and made accessible for everyone to enjoy. She and her family embraced Rhode Island as their home twelve years ago and have never looked back. She is passionate about cycling, running, and promoting the vibrant city of Providence, where she loves to explore its rich history while jogging through its storied streets. Previously, she served as the Outreach and Grants Director for the US House of Representatives. She is also a volunteer and advocate for Clinica Esperanza in Olneyville.
