This question arises from a personal experience during my first time in Florence, in January 2024. When I arrived in this city, I was amazed: every corner shows you art and beauty at its fullest splendor. But it wasn’t just the Duomo or the Ponte Vecchio that captivated me. It was a small, almost magical gesture that made me feel like Florence and I had a secret agreement.
I’ve visited this city three times, and each time, I’ve hurried to the Mercato Nuovo to rub the snout of the Porcellino, that famous boar statue that, according to legend, promises you’ll return to Florence if you do it with affection. The first time, I did it somewhat jokingly, thinking, “Well, let’s see if it’s true.” But when I returned in the summer and again this year, 2025, I felt that something in that ritual connected me not only to the city but to something bigger. Is it a placebo effect? Maybe. But isn’t it fascinating how humans, throughout history, have created these objects and rituals to give us hope or faith? From ancient amulets to fountains like this, there’s something in these gestures that makes us dream of returning, of reconnecting.
The Porcellino isn’t just a pretty statue. It dates back to the 17th century, inspired by a Greek original, and is full of stories from travelers who, like me, entrust their wishes of return to it. Today, in a world that sometimes feels fast and digital, these small acts remind us of the magic of the tangible, of touching something and believing it can change our path. For me, rubbing its snout is a way of telling Florence, “See you soon.”
At the AEF, where art and culture are at the heart of what we do, these traditions invite us to reflect: what gestures connect us to the places we love? In 2025, as we explore new ways to connect with the world, the Porcellino reminds me that sometimes a simple touch is all it takes to feel like we belong. So, if you happen to be in Florence, don’t forget to visit it. Rub its snout, close your eyes, and make a wish. Who knows, maybe it will bring you back.
—Carolina Morales Muñoz, 2025
