Tuscany transforms into a vibrant stage for Carnival celebrations from late January to Shrove Tuesday, March 4, 2025. From the iconic allegorical floats of Viareggio to historical parades in Florence, the region offers a wide array of festivities that blend tradition, creativity, and a sense of community.
Viareggio: Satire and Spectacle by the Sea
The Carnival of Viareggio is one of the most celebrated in Italy, renowned for its grand allegorical floats made of papier-mâché, which parade along the coastal promenade. This year, six masked parades will take place, starting on Saturday, February 8, with the traditional cannon shot at 3 PM. The parades continue on February 16, 22, 27 (Fat Thursday), March 2, and culminate on Tuesday, March 4, with fireworks and the jury’s verdict on the best floats.
This year’s floats tackle themes such as social media risks, political satire, and environmental issues, while also paying tribute to beloved figures, including Francesco Nuti, the Beatles, and literary icons like The Little Prince and Frankenstein. Beyond the parades, the town buzzes with rione parties, papier-mâché workshops, and exhibitions such as “Centuries of Satire” at the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art and “The Carnival of Animals” at Villa Argentina.
Florence: Historic Elegance and Masked Balls
Florence takes a different approach, reviving Renaissance traditions during its historic Carnival celebrations on February 8–9. The event includes a grand masked ball at Palazzo Vecchio, featuring performances and a gala dinner in the stunning Salone dei Cinquecento. Proceeds from the event will support charities such as the Lega del Filo d’Oro.
On Sunday, February 9, a parade of traditional Tuscan masks, including Burlamacco, Ondina, and Stenterello, winds through the historic city center, starting from Piazza Santa Maria Novella and culminating in Piazza della Signoria.
Empoli: Urban Art and Musical Parades
In Empoli, urban art meets Carnival with “Mela Ridens,” a unique open-air exhibition featuring 17 giant apple sculptures created by Viareggio’s Carnival masters and local students. The celebration kicks off on Sunday, January 26, and continues with parades on February 8 and 22. Highlights include live music, face painting, a treasure hunt at the Glass Museum, and street performances in Piazza Farinata degli Uberti.
Foiano della Chiana: The Oldest Carnival in Italy
The 486th edition of the Carnival in Foiano della Chiana, in the province of Arezzo, is a feast of tradition and spectacle. The four historical cantieri—Azzurri, Bombolo, Nottambuli, and Rustici—compete with colossal mechanical floats on February 9, 16, 23, March 2, and 9. Visitors can enjoy music, street food, and DJ sets alongside the main event.
Other Highlights Across Tuscany
• Castiglion Fibocchi (Arezzo): The “Carnival of the Sons of Bocco” returns on February 16 and 23, with baroque masks transforming the medieval village into a living tableau.
• Follonica (Maremma): Four rione floats parade on February 2, 9, 16, and 22, with a fireworks finale.
• Santa Croce sull’Arno (Pisa): The 97th Carnival d’Autore features floats from four local groups on February 16, 23, and March 2.
• Bientina (Pisa): Five parades take place on February 9, 16, 23, March 2, and 4, bringing colorful joy to the streets.
A Carnival of Diversity
From coastal extravaganzas to historic reenactments and small-town festivities, Tuscany offers something for everyone during Carnival. Whether you’re drawn to the satire of Viareggio or the elegance of Florence, this is a season of joy, artistry, and tradition not to be missed.