Carnevaletto da 3 Soldi

The heart of Orbetello's carnival

The Carnevaletto da 3 Soldi is the grand popular festival of Orbetello, a town overlooking the picturesque lagoon in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma. Established in the early 1970s, its quirky and irreverent name stems from the idea of a carnival made "with three coins"—meaning with limited resources but boundless imagination, passion, and community spirit. For over half a century, this event has been one of southern Tuscany's most beloved traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to Corso Italia.

The allegorical floats and the districts

The heart of the festival lies in its five allegorical floats, authentic papier-mâché masterpieces built in the months leading up to the event by the various districts of the municipality: Orbetello Centro, Neghelli, Stazione, Fonteblanda, and Albinia. Each float explores a different theme, often satirical and tied to current events, accompanied by at least one marching band and masked groups dancing along the route. It is a well-established formula that guarantees a spectacle of music, color, and joy, born from the volunteer efforts of entire families: grandfathers recount their first float, fathers work on the structure today, and children wait to see the magic come to life in the square.

Queens and King Carnival

The Carnevaletto tradition includes the presence of King Carnival, who kicks off the festivities with his proclamation from the stage in Piazza Eroe dei Due Mondi, and the election of the Carnival Queen, chosen from the district representatives during the parades. There are also side events dedicated to children, with parties and costume awards, confirming the family-friendly and intergenerational nature of the festival.

The lagoon as a backdrop

What makes the Carnevaletto da 3 Soldi unique is its setting: the Orbetello Lagoon observes and reflects the colors of the festival, while the streets of the historic center become an open-air stage. The grand night-time finale, with illuminated floats parading through the dark, is the most emotional and anticipated moment of the entire edition. The festival embraces the entire municipality, from Fonteblanda to Neghelli, passing through Albinia and Stazione, testifying to its deep roots in the Maremma community.