Meet Marco, the Florence street performer portraying Dante who has attracted young Chinese fans with his silent performance.
An Italian street performer who has portrayed Dante Alighieri in Florence for 26 years has attracted a growing following among young Chinese visitors. Many bring their favourite dolls and plush toys to meet him and take photographs.
Known to Chinese internet users as “Grandpa Dante”, Marco made his China debut on October 18th at Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City in Kaifeng, Henan Province. Visitors queued to meet him, recreating scenes that had gained attention on social media.
For Marco, the visit brought his familiar performance from the streets of Florence to a cultural attraction in central China.
A Familiar Figure on the Streets of Florence
For more than two decades, Marco has portrayed Dante, the Italian poet best known for The Divine Comedy, outside Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.
Dressed in a grey robe, with his face painted silver-grey, he stands motionless like a statue. When a passer-by places a coin in his wooden box, he slowly comes to life. He leans forward to meet the visitor’s gaze, then offers a gentle touch on the shoulder or a quiet embrace.
The performance requires neither dialogue nor elaborate staging. A coin, a look and a brief gesture form the core of the encounter.
Over the years, photographs and videos of Marco’s performances have reached audiences far beyond Florence, including young people in China.
Why Chinese Fans Travelled to Florence
Marco’s popularity among Chinese visitors grew through social media, where videos and photographs of people meeting him began attracting attention.
Some visitors travelled to Florence specifically to see him. Many brought cotton dolls — small dolls that fans dress up, photograph and take on outings — or other character merchandise.
Marco carefully holds the toys for photographs, allowing visitors to capture their encounters with him.
Chinese social media users gave him the affectionate nickname “Grandpa Dante”. Some also joked about his becoming a display stand for their collectibles.
A Chinese knot, a traditional decorative ornament associated with good wishes, now hangs from his wooden box. During his visit to China, Marco told Chinese media that the warmth and friendliness of Chinese audiences had made the experience special for him.
From Florence to Kaifeng
The online connection became an in-person encounter on October 18th, when Marco began his first performances in China at Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City. The engagement is scheduled to run until October 25th.
The attraction recreates aspects of traditional Chinese street life and features martial arts-themed performances. Its traditional Chinese-style architecture provides a striking contrast to Marco’s usual setting outside the Uffizi Gallery.
Visitors queued for their chance to meet Marco. Some carried plush toys and character merchandise for him to hold while they posed for photographs.
Wearing his familiar grey robe and silver face paint, Marco continued his signature routine: visitors approached, handed him their toys or other belongings, and posed beside him as he slowly came to life.
After 26 years of performing in Florence, Marco brought his portrayal of Dante to China, where visitors who had first encountered him online could meet him in person.
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