Carnival in Tuscany: events not to be missed
From the great classic of Viareggio to the historic Foiano della Chiana, discover the most beautiful ones here
Carnival is one of the most fun times of the year for young and old alike. Rice fritters and Florentine-style schiacciata sweeten the windows of pastry shops and the squares of Tuscan villages dress up to host parades, floats and costumes. Let's discover together the most beautiful carnivals in Tuscany.
Until 24 February, parades of giant allegorical floats, shows, historical re-enactments, music and art events are once again the protagonists of the Viareggio Carnival, one of the most important in Italy. HERE all about the Carnival parades, guests and events.
Carnevale di Viareggio - Carneval Divino, carro di Luca BertozziCARNIVAL OF FOIANO DELLA CHIANA
Until 25 February, the 485th edition of the Foiano della Chiana Carnival, one of the most renowned events of its kind in Italy, takes place on Sunday. Azzurri, Bombolo, Nottambuli and Rustici: these are the names of the four factions that for centuries now have challenged each other every year with confetti and papier-mâché, creating impressive artistic works that are appreciated all over the world. But Carnival returns to animate the streets of the village not only with the papier-mâché giants, but with many side activities. In Piazza Cavour, in fact, for every Sunday of the festival there will be food trucks and tasting stalls with the best Tuscan (but not only) street delicacies, combined with local wines. Also animating this area are chefs and food bloggers who also take turns in cooking shows to recount traditional carnival recipes from all over Italy. For the little ones, there are the usual appointments with Carnevalandia, the Children's Carnival, with Disney parades and masked parades, as well as a totally dedicated area with shows, mini papier-mâché floats, toy trains, rides, and games completely free of charge.
THE GREAT CARNIVAL AT THE TEATRO DEL SALE (FLORENCE)
It starts in the morning with a fun Cooking Class open to children to learn how to make the legendary 'cenci' and Carnival pancakes. A moment of joy that is also learning and growth thanks to group manual work and the therapeutic power of our incredible pastry (€ 10 per child). We will then continue with the BRUNCHONE IN MASCHERA designed for young and old, followed by the hilarious show of clown Guido Nardin aka UGO SANCHEZ JR. with his show Mind the Gag (€40 for adults and €25 for children).
CARNIVAL OF SANTA CROCE SULL'ARNO
The tradition of the Santa Croce sull'Arno carnival dates back to 1928, when some villagers decided to dress up to brighten up the grey winter days. For 92 years, many handmade masks have paraded through the streets and squares of the historic centre in a triumph of colours and choreography. This year the carnival takes place on Sundays until 11 February. The appointment is in Piazza Matteotti, where the masked parades begin at 3.30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. music and entertainment.
CARNIVAL OF FOLLONICA
Since 5 February 1910, when a carnival party was organised in the hall of a hotel, the carnival has animated Follonica's coldest days and has acquired particular importance and vigour, especially after the Second World War, with the conception first of the Carnevale Maremmano, then of the Carnevale Follonichese (so called since 1979). A challenge between neighbourhood allegorical floats, where colour and irony are not lacking. At the end of the third Sunday of the parade, the burning of the Carnival King, an enormous papier-mâché mask, closes the event. Sunday until 25 February.
CARNIVAL OF SAN GIMIGNANO
On Sundays until 25 February, the papier-mâché allegorical floats arrive in the medieval towers of San Gimignano. A children-friendly event with lots of music, confetti and streamers, enriched by the charm of the medieval village (Here is everything you mustn't miss in San Gimignano).
CARNEVALE DI SAN GIMIGNANO CARNIVAL OF STIA
As per tradition, the eagerly awaited appointment with Carnival returns to Stia (Arezzo). The historic parade is an unmissable event and is held on Sunday 11 February with the award ceremony for the Maschera d'Oro (Golden Mask) contest. Gadgets for children taking part in the contest. Free entry to the competition. Free admission.
MUGELLAN CARNIVAL
The Mugello Carnival takes place in Borgo San Lorenzo on Sundays until 11 February. Days of music, confetti, shows, fun and floats. Admission is free.
