Introduction

Carnival in Tuscany is a lively and vibrant celebration, rich in tradition, and marked by grand parades, colorful costumes, and a sense of festivity. Although Carnival is celebrated throughout Italy, Tuscany offers its own unique regional flair, with a mix of historical events and modern-day revelry. Here are some of the top places to experience Carnival in Tuscany.

When Does Carnival Take Place in Tuscany?

Carnival in Tuscany typically occurs in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. It usually spans two or three weeks, with the main celebrations happening during the final days of Carnival, known as Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday).

Key Highlights of Tuscany’s Carnival:

• Viareggio Carnival: The most iconic celebration in Tuscany, featuring large, intricately designed floats, parades, and masked balls. It dates back to 1873 and has evolved into a global attraction.It also includes competitions and contests for the best float designs.

• Florence Carnival: While not as famous as Viareggio, Florence hosts smaller carnival celebrations with events for families, including parades, local fairs, and festive events around the city center.

• Other Tuscan towns: Other smaller towns in Tuscany also celebrate Carnival, though the scale is often more localized. Towns like Borgo san Lorenzo (Mugello Valley), Firenze (Florence), Pistoia, and Lucca also host parades and parties.
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 Carnevale di Viareggio

• Location: Viareggio (on the Tuscan coast, near Pisa).
• Overview: The Carnevale di Viareggio is one of the most famous and grandest carnivals in Italy, held annually in the coastal town of Viareggio. It has been celebrated since 1873 and is known for its massive, intricately designed floats, which often feature satirical and political themes.
• Highlights:
  • Floats: The floats are enormous, some reaching several stories tall, and they are made of papier-mâché. They are a major attraction during the carnival and are paraded through the streets to the sound of music.
  • Masked Balls and Parties: In addition to the floats, there are masked balls, street performances, and parties throughout the town, with both children and adults participating in the festivities.
  • Parades: The parades take place on Sundays and are the heart of the carnival, often attracting large crowds.
  • Events: The Carnival also features games, music, and fireworks, making it a multi-day event full of excitement.

Carnevale di Borgo San Lorenzo

• Location:Borgo San Lorenzo (Mugello Valley)
• Overview: The Carnevale di Borgo S.L. is one of the most famous and grandest carnivals in Tuscany, held annually in the Mugello Valley. It has been celebrated since 1713 and is known for its parades and events in our Valley.
• Highlights:
  • Floats: The floats are a major attraction during the carnival and are parades through the streets to the sound of music.
  • Parades: The parades take place on Sundays and are the heart of the carnival, often attracting large crowds.
  • Events: The Carnival also features games, music, making it a multi-day event full of excitement.

Carnevale di Foiano 

• Location: Foiano della Chiana (in the province of Arezzo, southern Tuscany).
• Overview: The Carnevale di Foiano is one of Tuscany’s oldest carnivals, dating back to 1539, making it a historic and deeply-rooted tradition. It is a more local and traditional carnival compared to Viareggio but still offers a lively experience.
• Highlights:
  • Historic Parades: The carnival in Foiano is famous for its colorful floats and costumes, as well as traditional music and dance. The floats are smaller compared to those in Viareggio but are highly detailed and beautifully crafted.
  • Four Historic “Contrade”: The town is divided into four districts (or “contrade”), and each one creates its own float to compete in the parade. The rivalry among the contrade is a big part of the carnival’s charm.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: It’s a great choice for families, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Kids can also take part in various activities and enjoy the costumes and performances.

Carnevale di Massa

• Location: Massa (in the province of Massa-Carrara).
• Overview: The Carnevale di Massa is another lively carnival held in Tuscany, featuring a mix of traditional parades, music, and floats. While it’s not as famous as those in Viareggio, it still offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with local charm.
• Highlights:
  • Parades and Floats: Much like Viareggio, the carnival features large, vibrant floats, with costumes and performances. The floats usually depict satirical themes, with a focus on humor and local politics.
  • Carnival Parties: There are also street parties, musical performances, and a festive atmosphere that lasts throughout the carnival period.

 Carnevale di San Miniato

• Location: San Miniato (in the province of Pisa).
• Overview: San Miniato, a charming town located in central Tuscany, celebrates its own version of Carnival with a festive atmosphere and plenty of local flavor. The carnival in San Miniato is often marked by its colorful processions and lively events.
• Highlights:
  • Parades and Music: The streets are filled with music, dancing, and colorful costumes, and the entire town comes together to enjoy the event.
  • Folk Traditions: The carnival is a great way to experience local traditions, with various folklore performances and events that are unique to the area.

 Carnevale di Pistoia

• Location: Pistoia (in the province of Pistoia, near Florence).
• Overview: The Carnevale di Pistoia is another popular carnival in Tuscany, with a fun and colorful atmosphere. It’s celebrated in the historic center of Pistoia, featuring parades, costumes, and traditional events.
• Highlights:
  • Parades and Floats: The carnival features parades with elaborate costumes and floats, along with street performances, music, and dancing.
  • Masks and Costumes: Pistoia’s carnival is well-known for its creative and elaborate masks, with both locals and visitors taking part in the festivities.

 Food and Specialties During Carnival

• Chiacchiere: These sweet, fried pastries (also called “frappe” or “cenci”) are a Carnival tradition in Tuscany and across Italy. They are typically dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed . [©paneemortadella]

• Frittelle: Another popular Carnival treat, these are fried dough balls filled with fruit or cream, sometimes dusted with sugar.

• Schiacciata alla Fiorentina: a soft orange sponge cake that you can enjoy without or with a cream filling. 

• Carnival Dinners and Events: Many towns and villages host Carnival-themed dinners, where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in festive settings.

Carnival and Modern-Day Tuscany:

The Carnival season is not only about parades and costumes but has also integrated into contemporary Tuscany with modern twists. The presence of large-scale events like the Viareggio Carnival brings tourists and locals together, offering both traditional and new forms of entertainment. In recent years, there has been a rise in sustainability awareness during the carnival festivities. Floats and costumes are often designed with environmental awareness in mind, reflecting the growing trend of incorporating sustainability into celebrations.

With Tuscany being a region known for art, culture, and history, the Carnival season adds to the festive spirit, and in a modern context, it provides an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy both the historical and contemporary sides of Tuscany.

Current Trends:

• Digital Engagement: The Viareggio Carnival has a significant social media presence, allowing it to reach a global audience. Many floats and events are shared online, making the carnival experience accessible to people around the world using for example Instagram or Youtube channels.
• Focus on Sustainability: Many parades and floats are made from sustainable materials, and there is an increasing effort to reduce waste during the events.
• Inclusivity: Modern carnivals in Tuscany tend to embrace inclusivity, welcoming participants and featuring themes that reflect contemporary issues, such as gender equality, diversity, and climate change.
  Carnival in Tuscany is an exciting fusion of tradition, art, and modern-day trends, offering a vibrant and inclusive experience for all.