by Camryn Samuel
There is no better way to experience an authentic Italian celebration than by taking part in Carnival.
This festival marks the beginning of Lent, the period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. Across Italy, Carnival is celebrated with fairs, local delicacies, parades, and costumes, from early February until the beginning of March. Each city and region preserves its own traditions, and Florence is no exception. The city offers unique and engaging experiences at every corner — you just need to know where to find them.
Palazzo Vecchio
The medieval town hall of Florence is home to one of the most extravagant celebrations - the Grand Carnival Ball. This masquerade ball will begin the city’s festivities on January 31st with the theme “Queens at the Palace”. The party pays tribute to local history and the ancient Renaissance tradition of masked balls in Florentine palaces. The party begins with the Gala Dinner, continues with a show honoring important figures in Florence’s history, and ends with the After Dinner Party featuring musical performances. Various ticket packages are available on the official Carnevale di Firenze website. The only requirement to attend is to wear a mask.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Florence’s celebration continues the next day, on February 1st, with the Grand Carnival Parade. In the square of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, you will find the meeting and departure point for the Grand Carnival Parade. In true carnival fashion, the heart of the city begins the celebration with music, entertainment, and confetti. Here you can follow the parade throughout the city and feel all the excitement of the holiday.
City Center Streets
The parade continues through the center of the city, in strategic areas such as Via de’ Banchi, Via Barbadori, and Via Vacchereccia. On these streets, you will find great views to watch the artists, stilt-walkers, and musicians dance by with their floats.
Piazza della Signoria
The Grand Carnival Parade ends at this arrival point, but the festivities continue with a party for everyone to dance, laugh, and sing. Here is where you’ll also be able to vote for the best group or single masquerade. The winner will be awarded a golden Stenterello, the traditional mascot of Florentine Carnival. This is the place to attend if you want to experience a carnival festival filled with music, costumes, and fun.
Nave a Rovezzano
In addition to the city celebration, Florence neighborhoods also hold their own celebrations. District 3 hosts a carnival for children in this park with a festival full of games, workshops, and activities. Children can honor the characters and stories of carnival while watching a parade accompanied by a marching band.
Piazza dell’Isolotto and Villa Vogel Park
This neighborhood also holds its own unique carnival - the “Carnevale di Pace”. Translating to Carnival of Peace, Florence’s District 4 holds a celebration that unites culture and tradition with the values of equality and dignity. Their parade will begin in Piazza dell’Isolotto and fill the streets with music and dance from cultures around the world. The parade will end and the festival will start at Villa Vogel Park, where you will find more dancing along with international music, games, and workshops for children.
Piazza Primo Maggio
Florence’s District 5 plans many events throughout its neighborhood, with many parties in local gardens and parks. This park holds the neighborhood’s “Carnevale dei Borghi”, or Carnival of the Villages, which refers to the traditional celebrations in towns around Italy. The locals continue the festivities after this carnival in the “Giardino delle Medaglie d’Oro”, or the Garden of the Gold Medals. These festivities are a beautiful way to discover an authentic, local Italian area.
Enzo Pazzagli Art Park
In the southern quarter of Florence, you will find a park with over 200 artworks and the home of the “Eco-Renaissance Carnival”. The park offers children their own carnival experience with creative workshops, shows, and entertainment, all while demonstrating the importance of recycling and being kind to the earth. Tickets are booked via WhatsApp on ecorinascimento.com.
Florence holds so much beauty, history, and life, and it is a breathtaking experience to see more of it unveiled during this extravagant holiday. No matter where you go this carnival season, you will be greeted with the most exciting culture the city has to offer. To ensure you don’t miss out on any carnival events or hidden gems, follow our social media for more recommendations and book your experiences with us through our website.
