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.
Viareggio Carnival: Satire, Entertainment, and Tradition by the Sea
From February 1 to 21, parades of giant allegorical floats, shows, historical reenactments, musical and art events return to take center stage at the Viareggio Carnival, one of the most important in Italy. HERE all about the parades, guests, and events related to the Carnival.
Carnevale di Viareggio - Carneval Divino, carro di Luca BertozziFoiano della Chiana Carnival: The Oldest Carnival in Italy
The Foiano della Chiana Carnival, the oldest in Italy, returns from February 1 to March 1 for its 487th edition, with five Sundays of events in the medieval Tuscan village. At the heart of the event are four giant allegorical papier-mâché floats, created by the masters of the “Cantieri” and brought to life with performances in the streets of the town center. In addition to the parades, there will be music, DJ sets, street bands, street art, exhibitions, and activities for all ages, with cultural initiatives starting on Friday and talks on Saturday. Among the new features: a space dedicated to Street Art, exhibitions by Riccardo Guasco, the “Piazza dei Passi Giocosi” (Square of Playful Steps), and the Biennial Art Prize. The Carnival also includes charity events (Fondazione Meyer and Run for Franci), street food, and an equipped camper area. The event culminates in parades by the four historic factions—Azzurri, Bombolo, Nottambuli, and Rustici—who compete with confetti and papier-mâché, creating a riot of color, music, and folklore appreciated around the world.
Carnevale dei Figli di Bocco: Baroque Magic in the Heart of Tuscany
Every February in Castiglion Fibocchi, for almost a thousand years, the Carnevale dei Figli di Bocco (Carnival of the Children of Bocco) returns, with parades of 200 baroque masks handmade by artisans and residents of the village. With precious fabrics, feathers, crystals, and papier-mâché, the streets of the village are transformed into a spectacular and colorful show, enchanting young and old alike, recalling the elegance of the Carnival of Venice in Tuscany. The next event is on Sunday, February 8.
Carnevale dei Figli di BoccoCarnevale di Santa Croce sull'Arno: Celebration and Color in the Historic Center
The tradition of the Santa Croce sull'Arno carnival dates back to 1928, when some villagers decided to dress up in costumes to liven up the gray winter days. It is a real spectacle in which, for 92 years, many handmade masks have paraded through the streets and squares of the historic center in a triumph of colors and choreography. The historical groups, the Lupa, the Spensierati, the Nuova Luna, and the Nuovo Astro parade in costume on February 8 and 15, with a possible repeat on February 22, 2026, with the parades always starting at 3:30 p.m. Admission to the parades is subject to a fee.
Carnevale Follonichese: A Challenge of Allegorical Floats by the Neighborhoods
In Follonica, Carnival is a historic popular festival in the Maremma region, which began in the early 1910s and has become established over time, with allegorical floats, music, masquerades, and parades. The 59th edition in 2026 will take place in February with four official parades along the seafront and the streets of the town center: Sunday, February 8, at 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m., with the grand illuminated evening finale, which will create a magical atmosphere for families and visitors.
Carnevale di San Gimignano: Allegorical Floats Amidst the Medieval Towers
The San Gimignano Carnival celebrates its 100th anniversary with parades of allegorical floats, masks, music, and entertainment every Sunday until February 15 in the historic center. The edition also celebrates the centenary with the photographic exhibition The Last Decades of the San Gimignano Carnival and includes events for all ages, including traveling concerts and a sports tournament. The grand finale will be on February 15 in Piazza Duomo with the award ceremony for the best floats. (Here is everything you mustn't miss in San Gimignano)
CARNEVALE DI SAN GIMIGNANO Carnevale di Stia: A Dive into Tradition
The Stia Carnival, scheduled from February 7 to 15, is a historic tradition dating back to 1880 that enlivens the town of Casentino with masks, music, and entertainment for all ages. Among the main events are the Grand Masked Ball (February 7), the parades and the “La Maschera d'Oro” competition (February 8 and 15), the Children's Masked Ball, and the social lunch (February 14).
Carnevale Mugellano: A Celebration of Music and Confetti
The Mugello Carnival returns to Borgo San Lorenzo for its 312th edition, with floats, masks, music, and confetti during five afternoons of festivities in Piazza Dante. The event, which is free to attend, offers surprises and fun for young and old alike.
