Florence Carnival

All info to follow the masquerade course open to the public that parades through the streets of the city

The 2024 edition of the Carnival of Florence (Carnevale di Firenze), invades the streets of the city that baptized in the 15th century what later became an established and beloved Medici tradition. Indeed, the festivities were accompanied by so-called 'carnival songs' that became a favorite genre of Lorenzo the Magnificent, as evidenced by his composition entitled The Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne.

Masks, stilt-walkers and jugglers: the route will start on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from Piazza Santa Maria Novella and then reach Piazza della Signoria. The time runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Leading the parade will be the two iconic masks of the Viareggio Carnival, Burlamacco and Ondina, along with Stenterello, who will travel in historic Camet cars.

Adding to the traveling parade will be a competition for the most creative Masks, with prizes in the categories of "Single Masquerade," "Pair Masquerade," "Group Masquerade," and "Juniores" for the youngest. The winners will be decided by a Jury that will await the arrival of the parade on the Arengario in Palazzo Vecchio in an atmosphere of music and popular fun.
"After the success of 2020, we wanted to resume this event that relaunches the historic Florentine Carnival tradition linked to the Medici family," said Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Culture Alessia Bettini.

An extraordinary opportunity to see the most beautiful masks parade through the streets of the historic center, paying homage to figures such as Catherine de' Medici, Maria Luisa de' Medici, Eleonora di Toledo and many others.

But also a way to renew the collaboration with the Viareggio Carnival and Venice Carnival and to contribute with events of cultural interest to direct tourist flows even out of season.