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
One of the most fun times of the year for young and old is approaching, that of Carnival. Rice fritters and Florentine-style schiacciata are already in the shop windows of pastry shops and the squares of Tuscan villages are starting to dress up to host parades, floats and costumes. Let's discover together the most beautiful carnivals in Tuscany!
From 4 to 25 February, parades of gigantic 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, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. HERE all about the Carnival parades, guests and events.
Carnevale di Viareggio 2022 CARNIVAL OF FOIANO DELLA CHIANA
On Sundays from 5 February to 5 March, Italy's oldest carnival, which has been held in Foiano della Chiana (Arezzo) for almost 500 years, returns. During every Sunday of the carnival period, four large floats parade through the streets of the town surrounded by colourful masks, musicians, confetti and streamers.
CARNEVALE DI FOIANO DELLA CHIANACARNIVAL OF THE SONS OF BOCCO IN CASTIGLION FIBOCCHI
Until 12 February in Castiglion Fibocchi four days of concerts, shows with magicians, artists, acrobats and jugglers, archery exhibitions, travelling exhibitions with painters painting in the castle alleyways and many other surprises. The Carnival of the Sons of Bocco is dedicated this year to Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino, 500 years after his death.
CARNIVAL OF SAN GIMIGNANO
On Sundays from 5 to 26 February, 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 town (Here is everything you mustn't miss in San Gimignano).
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 from 5 to 19 February.
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 12 and Sunday 19 February.
MUGELLAN CARNIVAL
The Mugello Carnival takes place in Borgo San Lorenzo on the four Sundays of 5, 12, 19 February and Shrove Tuesday 21 February. Days of music, confetti, shows, fun and floats.
