Carnevale d'Autore of Santa Croce sull'Arno
Leather masks and the four-group challenge in Piazza Matteotti
About Carnevale d'Autore
A unique carnival in Tuscany
The Carnevale d'Autore of Santa Croce sull'Arno, located in the heart of the tanning district in the province of Pisa, is not your typical float parade, but a true collective spectacle. Hundreds of handmade masks, often crafted entirely from leather—the material that made this Tuscan town famous—bring the streets and squares of the historic center to life in a triumph of color, music, and choreography. It is this artisanal craftsmanship, requiring months of preparation, that has earned the Santa Croce carnival the title of "d'Autore" (Author's Carnival).
History and the four groups
The festival's origins date back to 1928, when local residents decided to liven up the winter by wearing masks in the square. After several interruptions, the event resumed permanently in 1976 and, since 1987, has been structured as an annual competition between the city's four districts: Gli Spensierati, Il Nuovo Astro, La Lupa, and La Nuova Luna. Each group chooses a theme, builds its own masks and choreography, and takes to Piazza Matteotti for the masked parade, vying for prizes awarded by a jury.
The parade in Piazza Matteotti
The heart of the festival is the masked parade: the four groups depart from Piazza Matteotti and travel through the town's streets multiple times, dancing, throwing confetti and streamers, and showcasing their creations. The show involves hundreds of performers of all ages, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts thousands of spectators every year. Fat Thursday (Giovedì Grasso) features events dedicated to families, while in the preceding weeks, local primary school students participate in a parade of their own.
Tradition and community
More than just an event, the Carnevale d'Autore is an expression of the identity of Santa Croce sull'Arno: the friendly rivalry between the groups, the connection to the tanning tradition through leather masks, and the involvement of entire generations make it a deeply felt appointment for the whole community. For those visiting Tuscany during the Carnival season, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic popular festival, far from the most touristy circuits but of great artisanal and human value.
Useful information
- Where: historic center of Santa Croce sull'Arno (PI), starting from Piazza Matteotti
- When: three Sundays during the Carnival period (February)
- Admission: free
- Organization: Associazione Carnevale d'Autore
Carnevale d'Autore — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, the Associazione Carnevale d'Autore scheduled the parades for the three Sundays of February 1, 8, and 15, with February 22 as a potential make-up date in case of bad weather. As per tradition, the four historic groups—Gli Spensierati, Il Nuovo Astro, La Lupa, and La Nuova Luna—took to Piazza Matteotti with their leather masks and choreography based on their chosen themes for the year, competing for the jury's prizes. Events dedicated to local primary schools and families were also confirmed. Admission to all parades was free.
Programme Carnevale d'Autore 2026
Highlights Carnevale d'Autore 2026
Prices Carnevale d'Autore 2026
Practical information — Carnevale d'Autore
How to get there
Santa Croce sull'Arno is located in the province of Pisa, along the right bank of the Arno river. By car, it can be reached via the FI-PI-LI highway (Santa Croce sull'Arno exit). By train, the reference station is San Miniato-Fucecchio on the Florence-Pisa line, with bus connections to the center. The nearest airports are Pisa and Florence.
Costs and hours
The masked parades are held on Sunday afternoons, usually starting in the early afternoon in Piazza Matteotti. Admission is free. Traffic changes in the historic center are expected on parade days.
Tips
Arrive early to find a spot along the route and park in the areas outside the center. The event is suitable for families and children.
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Where does it take place — Carnevale d'Autore
Piazza Matteotti
Piazza Matteotti, 56029 Santa Croce sull'Arno