A Colorful Start: ESE Florence at Corri La Vita by Ferragamo

The European School of Economics (ESE) Florence campus recently celebrated a vibrant and memorable start to its new academic year, welcoming students with an unforgettable immersion into Florentine culture and community spirit. The highlight of this grand inauguration was the students’ enthusiastic participation in “Corri La Vita,” Italy’s largest solidarity event, which masterfully intertwines the realms of sport, culture, and community engagement. Organized with the prestigious support of Ferragamo, a name synonymous with Italian luxury and philanthropy, the event served as a perfect introduction for the new cohort to the heart and soul of Florence.

The 2025 edition of Corri La Vita proved to be an overwhelming success, drawing an impressive crowd of over 38,000 participants. The streets of Florence were transformed into a living canvas, pulsating with an infectious energy and a kaleidoscope of colors. A majestic “river of people” flowed harmoniously from the scenic Parco delle Cascine, traversing the city’s historic avenues, and culminating in the iconic Piazza della Signoria. This vibrant procession effectively turned the entire city into a moving celebration, a testament to the event’s unifying power.

A significant visual element of the event was the official t-shirts, once again meticulously designed by Ferragamo specifically for the Corri La Vita Association. The 2025 design featured a delicate and enchanting “bijou blue” shade – a sophisticated sugar-paper hue that not only adorned the participants but also lent an additional touch of charm and elegance to the already breathtaking cityscape of Florence.

Amidst this magnificent “sea of color,” a contingent of approximately 20 ESE students stood out, walking with palpable pride and radiating youthful enthusiasm. Equipped with branded ESE balloons and caps, their presence was hard to miss, drawing appreciative glances and smiles from fellow participants and spectators alike. This active involvement beautifully encapsulated a perfect blend of fun, fostering strong team-building bonds among the new students, and generating significant positive visibility for the European School of Economics. It was a powerful statement of community engagement and school spirit.

Beyond the physical activity of walking and running, Corri La Vita offered a unique cultural bounty. Participants were granted complimentary access to dozens of Florence’s world-renowned museums and historic sites. This invaluable opportunity allowed students and all attendees to delve deeper into the city’s rich artistic and historical tapestry, transforming the event into a truly immersive experience that encouraged the discovery of hidden gems and the sharing of profound moments of culture and togetherness. It seamlessly merged physical activity with intellectual and cultural enrichment.

The culmination of the exhilarating 5-kilometer journey was at the esteemed Società Canottieri Firenze, a picturesque rowing club nestled along the Arno River. Here, participants were treated to a well-deserved picnic, enjoying refreshments and camaraderie against the truly breathtaking backdrop of the Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence’s most iconic and romantic landmarks. This idyllic setting provided the perfect, serene ending to what had been a day brimming with energy, purpose, and shared experiences.

Ultimately, this Corri La Vita experience was far more than just an event; it was a lovely and auspicious first step into the new academic year for ESE Florence students. It was a day brimming with vibrant energy, genuine smiles, and the nascent beginnings of new friendships that are sure to blossom throughout their studies. The European School of Economics extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its students who enthusiastically joined in, not only participating but also actively helping to spread the distinctive ESE spirit of community, engagement, and global citizenship. The anticipation is already building for next year, as ESE Florence eagerly looks forward to once again joining “Corri La Vita” and continuing this cherished tradition of giving back and celebrating life in the heart of Florence.