The Cricket Festival is an Italian celebration of spring, love and good fortune as well as a great attraction for anyone who is planning a vacation in Italy. Vivifirenze, a virtual guide to Florence, claims that the festival got its start in the 16th century, when young men would give crickets to the objects of their affection as a symbol of good luck.

Part of the rituals of the festival used to include the capture of live crickets by those in attendance, but cricket vendors eventually took over that task. They sold live crickets in colorful, fancy cages, the owners of which would release them back into nature. The live crickets have since been swapped out for artificial versions that mimic the sounds of live crickets in response to a slew of animal rights campaigns, according to whatsonwhen.com.

The crickets may be the main attraction, but theyâ??re not the only reason to make the festival a stop on your vacation. There is also plenty of music, food and entertainment throughout the day, not to mention lots of other fun things to do in Cascine Park. Florence-guide.com asserts that the park offers bicycle rentals, horseback riding, a sports center and plenty else to see and do.