Carnival Fiction

The summer carnival in Orbetello

Carnival Fiction is the summer, night-time version of the famous Carnevaletto da Tre Soldi, Orbetello's historic carnival tradition. On a July evening, the historic center of this town overlooking the lagoon, in the heart of the Maremma region of Grosseto, dresses up for one of the most anticipated and lively evenings of the summer. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Lagunare of Orbetello, with the patronage and support of the Municipality of Orbetello.

A parade of Ape micro-cars and costumes on Corso Italia

The heart of Carnival Fiction is the parade of decorated Ape micro-cars: small, themed Piaggio Ape vehicles travel along Corso Italia, the main street of the center, accompanied by colorful masks, confetti, and music. It is the Carnival stepping out of the winter months to reinvent itself under the stars, involving bars, clubs, and businesses in the historic center, all decorated for the occasion.

The party in Piazza Eroe dei Due Mondi

After the parade, the festivities move to Piazza Eroe dei Due Mondi, which transforms into a large open-air dance floor with DJ sets and live music until late at night. Past editions have featured resident DJs and special guests, creating a young and festive atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists from the Tuscan coast.

A collaboration with the Carnevaletto da Tre Soldi

Carnival Fiction was born from the desire of the Pro Loco Lagunare to bring the spirit of the Carnevaletto to the summer season. In recent years, the event has developed a collaboration with the Carnevaletto da Tre Soldi and the groups that build the floats, such as Neghelli in Armonia and local neighborhood associations, reinterpreting themes and decorations from the winter parades in a summer key. Each edition adopts a different theme, reflected on the floats, the Ape micro-cars, and the decorations throughout the center.

Orbetello and its lagoon

The event is part of the rich summer calendar of Orbetello, in Tuscany, which includes lagoon markets, food and wine events, and musical evenings along the lagoon promenade. Visiting Orbetello during Carnival Fiction is also an opportunity to discover the historic center, the lagoon, and the Argentario, one of the most evocative areas of the Maremma coast.