ph. Niccolò Rastrelli
Florence Carnival 2026
The Grand Ball at Palazzo Vecchio on Saturday, January 31, and the masked parade through the streets of the city on Sunday, February 1
Florence returns to celebrate its history, creativity, and joyful spirit with the fourth edition of the Florence Carnival, taking place on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026. This festival, dedicated to the city and its residents, draws inspiration from the roots of the Renaissance Carnival promoted by Lorenzo the Magnificent, when the famous motto “Chi vuol esser lieto, sia” encouraged people to live in the present with grace, beauty, and a sense of community.
For two days, the streets and palaces of Florence’s historic center will come alive with masks, costumes, lights, and music, welcoming both locals and international visitors to a program that blends spectacle, elegance, and social awareness.
waders along the streets of the historic centreGrand Ball “Regine a Palazzo” at Palazzo Vecchio – Saturday, January 31
The celebrations of the fourth edition of the Florence Carnival will officially kick off on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Palazzo Vecchio, a historic symbol and the political heart of the city. Starting at 8:00 PM, the halls of the Palazzo will host the Grand Ball “Regine a Palazzo”, under the artistic direction of Venetian designer Antonia Sautter, creator of the famous Ballo del Doge in Venice.
Guests will be welcomed by costumed guards, artists, and jesters, and in the Cortile di Michelozzo they will receive a symbolic invitation to wear a mask, fully immersing themselves in the playfulness, mystery, and expressive freedom of the Carnival. After a welcome aperitif, the Master of Ceremonies will lead attendees to the Salone dei Cinquecento, transformed for the occasion into a grand chessboard set, animated with music, colors, and movement.
The show, created by Antonia Sautter, presents a “Pantheon of the Carnival”, with allegorical representations of Excess, Intoxication, Euphoria, and Ecstasy, accompanied by costumes inspired by historical icons such as Elizabeth I, Marie Antoinette, Louis XIV, and the Countess of Castiglione. Blending haute couture, music, and dance, guests will experience an immersive journey between theatre, art, and dreamlike fantasy.
The theme of the evening is also reflected in the scenographic dinner, curated by Chef Paolo Lavezzini of the Four Seasons Florence, interpreting tarot and divination through a symbolic and sensory journey. Wines will be provided by Tenuta SettePonti, while the menus are printed by Pineider. The table arrangements, designed as a chessboard, are crafted by Il Giardino delle Fate.
From 10:30 PM, the Grand Ball will take on a contemporary dimension in the Sala d’Arme, with internationally renowned DJs Remo Giugni and Leandro da Silva, accompanied by live performances from Stranomondo. The bar stations will be managed by the Four Seasons Florence, while audio, lighting, and video are handled by Omikron and New Solid, with photography by Studio Bonon. The overall coordination of the event is entrusted to Once Extraordinary Events.
There are several types of tickets available to participate in the Florence Carnival:
Diamond Prestige: €1,200 per person
Diamond: €1,000 per person
Gold: €700 per person
After Dinner Party: €200 single ticket / €300 couple
Gran Ballo di Palazzo 2020Carnival Parade – Sunday, February 1, 2026
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, the historic center of Florence will be transformed into a vibrant explosion of music, colors, and masks with the Grand Carnival Parade, an open and participatory event that brings the most popular and festive side of the city’s Carnival tradition to life. The celebration will engage residents and visitors of all ages, reflecting the inclusive and joyful spirit of the Florence Carnival.
Starting at 2:00 PM in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, participants can collect their numbers to enter the best mask contest, with prizes offered by partners including the Viareggio Carnival, Rinascente, Hotel W Florence, and Hotel Anglo American. From 2:00 PM onward, DJs Remo Giugni and Leandro da Silva, together with journalist Andrea Vignolini as host, will energize the pre-parade celebration “Waiting for the Carnival”, creating the perfect festive atmosphere for the start of the parade.
the representatives of the venice carnivalAt 3:00 PM, the parade will officially begin with Stenterello, the symbol of the Florence Carnival, riding in a spectacular 1931 Ford A "Phaeton", followed by masks, performers, and artists of all ages. Along the route, the Grand Jury, composed of journalists and representatives of local institutions, will select the winner of the Stenterello Award 2026, crafted by goldsmith Paolo Penko and a symbol of the creativity and skill of Florentine artists.
the arrival of the parade in Piazza della SignoriaDuring the event, Piazza Santa Maria Novella will host a craft market dedicated to Carnival traditions, curated by Confartigianato. Among the highlights, historic vintage cars will take part in the parade, including a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado, the 1931 Ford A "Phaeton", and a 1964 OSI 1200 Spider, thanks to the Camet – Club Auto e Moto d’Epoca Fiorentino.
