In 1999, the Splendor of Florence event may have done more to put Providence on the map than any single event. Press coverage was global. The success of Joyce Acciaioli Rudge’s first festival in 1999 in Providence became the blueprint for subsequent city-wide festivals in Philadelphia and New York as well as art and photo exhibits throughout the USA giving visitors the opportunity to visit Florence without actually getting on a plane, said the group.

It was a sister-city program on steroids. Now, the event is relaunching this November in Providence. The announced dates are November 9 - November 17, 2024. As the organization states, “Splendor of Florence was founded by Rudge. Her Italian heritage and her deep-rooted links to fashion, music, and art served as inspiration to launch her brand.