Arezzo Orciolaia Carnival

The heart of Arezzo's carnival

The Arezzo Orciolaia Carnival is one of the most deep-rooted and cherished traditions in the city of Arezzo, Tuscany. For more than fifty years, the Orciolaia neighborhood committee has brought the true spirit of a grassroots carnival to the streets of Arezzo: a celebration born from the community, built with passion by volunteers, and dedicated specifically to children and families.

The event is organized by the Orciolaia Third Sector Entity with the patronage of the Municipality of Arezzo, the capital of the province of the same name. Over the years, the event has changed locations several times due to public works and the neighborhood's logistical needs, yet it has maintained its identity as a local, community-driven carnival.

Three Sundays of celebration

The Orciolaia Carnival takes place over several Sunday afternoons, transforming a stretch of Via Fiorentina into a pedestrian area dedicated to fun. Along the route, you will find a mix of traveling shows, entertainment stations, and workshops, all set in an atmosphere filled with costumes, confetti, and music.

The program is designed to engage children of all ages: Baby Circus, magic and fire shows, giant soap bubbles, miniature trains, themed games, marching bands, and live concerts. There is no shortage of costumed characters and performing groups, bringing parades and shows to life throughout the neighborhood streets.

A neighborhood tradition

What makes the Orciolaia Carnival special is its genuinely grassroots nature. It is not a large historical carnival with monumental floats like the one in nearby Foiano della Chiana, but rather a community festival, built year after year by neighborhood volunteers to give children an afternoon of joy and magic.

• Free shows and workshops designed for children
• Traveling entertainment with marching bands and live music
• Costumed characters, magic, fire shows, and soap bubbles
• A chance to experience the Orciolaia neighborhood in a festive spirit

Arezzo, a city of art and tradition

Experiencing the Orciolaia Carnival is also a great opportunity to discover Arezzo, a jewel of eastern Tuscany, famous for its Piazza Grande, the frescoes by Piero della Francesca, and the Saracen Joust. It is a city that perfectly blends great art with authentic popular festivals, of which the Orciolaia Carnival is one of the most heartfelt examples.