Florence Carnival returns with free public events and a €1,200 gala

The programme of the Carnevale di Firenze, presented this week at Palazzo Vecchio, reflects two different ways of reinterpreting the Carnival tradition. On one side, a public and inclusive event designed especially for families and children; on the other, an invitation-only evening with limited access.

The initiative is promoted by the Carnevale di Firenze association, a non-profit organisation whose stated aim is to research, preserve and promote Italian historical traditions, while enhancing Florence and Tuscany through cultural events. According to the official presentation, the Carnival is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Florence, the Tuscany Region and the Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Free celebrations in the streets

The most accessible part of the programme takes place on Sunday 1 February, when the Carnival Parade will move through Florence’s historic centre starting at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone, featuring music, performers, masks and costumed groups, before concluding with the award ceremony for the best costumes.

This year’s edition also includes the projection, in the Sala d’Arme, of artworks created by pupils from the Boccaccio primary school. More than one hundred drawings inspired by Carnival themes will be displayed, reinforcing the educational and participatory dimension of the event.

Institutional representatives described the parade as an opportunity to restore a shared festive moment to Florence and to reconnect the city with a historical tradition that had gradually disappeared from public life. The Chamber of Commerce highlighted the event’s potential role in promoting local craftsmanship and attracting visitors during the low tourist season.

An exclusive gala inside Palazzo Vecchio

Alongside the public celebrations, the programme opens on Saturday 31 January with the Gran Ballo Regine a Palazzo, a masked gala hosted inside Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s city hall and one of its most symbolic Renaissance buildings.

Artistic direction is entrusted to Antonia Sautter, creator of Venice’s Ballo del Doge. The evening includes a formal dinner and performances inspired by historical court festivities. The menu has been designed by Paolo Lavezzini, executive chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Florence, using Tuscan ingredients and inspired by the symbolic theme of tarot cards and cartomancy chosen for this edition.

According to the official Carnevale di Firenze website, access to the Gran Ballo is offered through different packages, with prices ranging from €200 per person for the after-dinner party to up to €1,200 per person for the most exclusive dinner options. Part of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Tommasino Bacciotti Foundation, which supports families of children undergoing cancer treatment at Florence’s Meyer Children’s Hospital.

Practical information

• Dates: Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February
• Gran Ballo: Palazzo Vecchio, ticketed event from €200 to €1,200 per person
• Carnival Parade: Sunday 1 February from 3 p.m., historic centre, free entry

❤️ Support Florence Daily News

If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.

We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.

Donate securely via Stripe below.