Anghiari Youth Carnival
The grand parade of floats and masks in the heart of the Valtiberina valley
About Anghiari Carnival
The Carnival of one of Italy's most beautiful villages
In Anghiari, a stunning medieval village in the Valtiberina valley near Arezzo, the Youth Carnival is one of the most cherished and anticipated traditions of the year. Reaching its 56th edition in 2026, the Anghiari carnival has for decades drawn families, children, and visitors from across eastern Tuscany and neighboring Umbria, bringing the streets and squares of the historic center to life with the colors, music, and joy typical of this popular festival.
Allegorical floats and masked groups
The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups that winds through the town center. The floats, crafted with great care by local groups, are the stars of the show alongside the many costumed participants: in recent years, the organizers have focused increasingly on youth, hence the name of the carnival. Accompanying the procession along the streets are the Lama Band and Majorettes, whose music sets the rhythm of the festivities. A beloved regular presence is Il Sambudellaio, the historic and symbolic mask of the Anghiari carnival.
Illuminiamo il Carnevale
The most evocative moment arrives at the end of the parade with "Illuminiamo il Carnevale": all participants light up glowing balloons together, creating a spectacular display of light that closes the day in a magical, collective atmosphere that children especially love.
A celebration of taste and community
The Anghiari carnival is also a gastronomic occasion: in Piazza Baldaccio, throughout the afternoon, stands serve local specialties such as brustichino (a typical local variation of bruschetta) and sausages, along with traditional carnival sweets. Organized by the Società del Carnevale della Gioventù, the event is free and designed to be accessible and inclusive, embodying a spirit of warm hospitality.
Anghiari and Sansepolcro, two Sundays of celebration
The Anghiari Carnival is part of a broader carnival calendar in the Tuscan Valtiberina: it traditionally takes place shortly after the Sansepolcro Carnival, allowing the two towns to offer two consecutive Sundays of festivities. Visiting Anghiari on this occasion is also a chance to discover one of Italy's most beautiful villages, famous for its medieval atmosphere and the Battle of Anghiari, immortalized by Leonardo da Vinci.
Anghiari Carnival — edition 2026
The 56th edition of the Anghiari Youth Carnival confirmed its traditional formula: a Sunday afternoon of festivities in the historic center of the village, in the province of Arezzo. The event, initially set for February 8 and then moved to February 22 due to weather conditions, maintained its original program, with young people taking center stage.
Program
- Thursday, February 12, 10:30 AM — Piazza IV Novembre: "Ciccicocco!", a variety and magic show dedicated to primary school children.
- Sunday, February 22, from 3:00 PM — Historic center: parade of allegorical floats and masked groups through the town streets.
Protagonists
Accompanying the parade was the Lama Band and Majorettes, with a performance by the Compagnia dei Ricomposti of Anghiari, participating for the first time, and the presence of the historic Sambudellaio mask. The day concluded with "Illuminiamo il Carnevale", the collective lighting of glowing balloons.
Taste
In Piazza Baldaccio, throughout the afternoon, food stands served brustichino and sausages.
Programme Anghiari Carnival 2026
Thursday, February 12, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Piazza IV Novembre: "Ciccicocco!", variety and magic show for primary school children
Sunday, February 22, 2026
- 3:00 PM — Historic center: start of the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups through the town streets
- Musical accompaniment by the Lama Band and Majorettes
- Performance by the Compagnia dei Ricomposti of Anghiari
- Participation of the historic Sambudellaio mask
- At the end of the parade — "Illuminiamo il Carnevale": collective lighting of glowing balloons
Throughout the afternoon, food stands in Piazza Baldaccio with brustichino and sausages.
Highlights Anghiari Carnival 2026
Prices Anghiari Carnival 2026
Practical information — Anghiari Carnival
How to get there
Anghiari is located in the province of Arezzo, in the upper Tuscan Valtiberina. By car, it can be reached via the E45 (Sansepolcro exit) or the SS73 from Arezzo. The nearest train station is in Sansepolcro (Sansepolcro-Perugia line), a few kilometers away, connected to Anghiari by local buses.
When
The main parade takes place on Sunday afternoon starting at 3:00 PM in the historic center, with its focal point in Piazza Baldaccio. In case of bad weather, the event may be postponed to the following Sunday.
Costs
Admission to the event is free. Food stands offering brustichino, sausages, and carnival sweets are available on-site.
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Where does it take place — Anghiari Carnival
Centro storico di Anghiari
Piazza Baldaccio, 52031 Anghiari