The celebration and joy of the Florentine Carnival continue on February 1 with a grand and spectacular parade that brings the city’s Historic Center to life.
From the early afternoon, Florence dresses up for the occasion: narrow streets and iconic squares fill with color, music, and a contagious sense of festivity.
The event begins at 2:00 PM in Piazza Santa Maria Novella with the much-anticipated opening titled “Waiting for the Carnival”, organized in collaboration with Lady Radio, one of the area’s leading radio stations. Here, the public can enjoy performances by street artists, traditional dances, and live entertainment, creating an atmosphere of pure excitement and fun.
At 3:30 PM, the majestic Carnival procession—led by allegorical floats and groups in costume—sets off along the main streets of central Florence, eventually reaching Piazza della Signoria, the vibrant heart of the city. Guiding the festive crowd is Stenterello, the iconic mask of the Florentine Carnival, famous for his lively character, irresistible wit, and humorous banter, delighting spectators with his playful gags.
From February 7 to 17, the Carnival moves into Florence’s neighborhoods, taking on a more widespread and participatory dimension: less spectacle, more community. Public gardens, squares, and local spaces become the true heart of the celebration, with events designed primarily for families and children, yet engaging the entire city.
Saturday, February 7 marks the official start of the neighborhood celebrations. The central event is the Carnevale dei Borghi (District 5): colorful parades of performers and masked participants depart at 2:30 PM from Piazza I° Maggio, Piazza Garibaldi, and Piazza Ilaria Alpi and Miran Hrovatin, converging around 3:30 PM at the San Piero a Quaracchi Garden, where the festivities continue with entertainment for children. On the same afternoon, Carnival also animates other green spaces in the area: at 3:00 PM in the Via Morandi Garden and at 3:30 PM in the Via Allori Garden, with games, music, and masks.
The celebrations continue on Sunday, February 8, with an afternoon dedicated to entertainment in gardens and city squares. At 3:00 PM, Carnival reaches the Lippi Garden, then moves at 3:30 PM to Piazza Dalmazia, reaffirming the popular and inclusive spirit of these events. That same afternoon, District 2 hosts a particularly rich program: the Grand Carnival Party in the Villa Arrivabene Garden (at 4:00 PM), featuring creative workshops—such as wooden toy-making—pentolaccia, music, and the award ceremony for the best costumes. A free event designed especially for families and children, yet capable of creating a shared festive atmosphere.
The calendar continues on Saturday, February 14, when Carnival once again takes center stage at the Medaglie d’Oro Garden (District 5). From 3:30 PM, entertainment, games, and activities for children transform the garden into a lively meeting place, extending the Carnival spirit into the final week.
The celebrations conclude on Tuesday, February 17, Shrove Tuesday, traditionally the climax of Carnival and the last day before the start of Lent. Alongside the informal festivities throughout the city, Florence offers a significant cultural highlight: the Carnival Concert at the Teatro Verdi, performed by the Orchestra della Toscana.
At 9:00 PM, Carnival Reloaded – The Art of Disguise in Music takes the stage, a program spanning works by Verdi, Paganini, Vivaldi, Piazzolla, and other composers, translating the themes of masquerade and transformation into music. A more intimate and elegant finale that complements the neighborhood festivities with a refined, symbolic, and concert-style conclusion to the Florentine Carnival.
