After more than a century, the ancient tradition of Carnival returns in Florence

Appointment on February 21st and 22nd with music, masks, jugglers, waders, fire eaters and an exclusive Gala Dinner

A centuries-long history, that of the Carnival of Florence, which originated at the time of the Medici.

A party that was born with a popular root and that, over time, became a refined occasion for the nobles to meet, until the sumptuous masked balls that animated theaters, palaces and squares under the Grand Duchy of Lorraine, until the carnival parties of the late nineteenth century, such as the one that saw the former Ghetto transformed into Baghdad.
Inspired by this tradition that had been lost in time, on the evening of Friday 21 February Palazzo Vecchio will host the exclusive Grand Carnival Ball - Tribute to Venice.

A magical evening, never seen before in Florence, where guests will be welcomed by three historical Carnival figures: Stenterello, Burlamacco and Ondina. More than 20 masks of the Venetian Carnival, the exceptional godmother Mafalda di Savoia Aosta.

The Grand Ball of the Carnival of Florence

The overture of the show will be organized by the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, with a tribute, created especially for the occasion, to the operatic tradition, which made its debut in Florence in 1598 thanks to the "Camerata de' Bardi".
During the gala dinner will develop artistic performances of entertainment and music and each guest will be given a symbol of the carnival to wear for the traditional "down the mask!

The Carnival of Florence will continue on Saturday, February 22, with a large square event open to the public free of charge. An afternoon of fun, fantasy and spectacle, which draws on the oldest origins of this popular and light-hearted festival.

The Stenterello, mask of the Carnival of Florence

The carnival parade will start at 3.30 p.m. in Piazza Santa Maria Novella and will be led by Stenterello - Florence's carnival mask born in the late eighteenth century - together with Burlamacco and Ondina - official masks of the Viareggio Carnival - and, according to a route identified by the City of Florence, will arrive in Piazza della Signoria, where the magic of the Carnival will continue until 7 p.m. with music by Remo Giugni and animation by Alessandro Masti and Leonardo Canestrelli, Radio Toscana.

In the square: make-up stations, cotton candy, music and entertainment waiting to leave with a parade.

*Info and prenotation about Gran Ballo:

FB @granballocarnevale
Segreteria organizzativa: rsvp@oncevents.com
tel. 055 217704
Dress code della serata: Carnival masquerade or black tie