Castellina in Chianti Carnival
Edition 2026 Street arts Folk traditions Folklore

Castellina in Chianti Carnival

An afternoon of masks and merriment in the heart of the Sienese Chianti

Castellina in Chianti — Siena (052)
Dates 15 Feb — 15 Feb 2026
Location Castellina in Chianti (052)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Castellina Carnival

The Castellina in Chianti Carnival brings color, masks, and fun to the historic streets of this village in the province of Siena. It is a festival designed for both adults and children, featuring costumed characters, photo opportunities, and an atmosphere of pure joy. Each year, a different theme brings the village to life: in 2026, Castellina transformed into the 'Land of Toys' (Paese dei Balocchi), inspired by the tale of Pinocchio, with the Cat, the Fox, Pinocchio, and Fire-Eater roaming the village.

Carnival in the Chianti village

When the Carnival season arrives, Castellina in Chianti dresses up for the occasion. This small medieval village in the province of Siena, nestled among the vineyards of the Chianti Classico region, opens its streets to an afternoon dedicated to masks, costumes, and fun for all ages. It is one of those authentic village festivals where the community gathers in the main square and the historic center to celebrate one of the most cheerful moments of the year together.

A different theme every year

The unique aspect of the Castellina Carnival is its ability to reinvent itself each edition around a theme that transforms the village. In 2026, the central theme was the famous tale of Pinocchio: Castellina turned into the Land of Toys, populated by the most beloved characters from Collodi's story. The Cat and the Fox wandered through the streets of the center, while Pinocchio was available for photos with adults and children alike, and the fearsome Fire-Eater—grumpy only in appearance—completed the scene of this fairytale celebration.

A family-friendly festival

The Castellina in Chianti Carnival is an event designed primarily for families and children. Everyone is invited to attend in costume, letting themselves be carried away by the joy and creativity that define this day. Amidst confetti, colorful costumes, and surprise characters, the village comes alive with a carefree atmosphere that engages both residents and visitors.

Castellina in Chianti, heart of the Sienese Chianti

Castellina in Chianti is one of the iconic villages of the Chianti Classico, a land of hills, vineyards, and world-famous wineries. Timing a visit with the Carnival season means discovering the most authentic and festive side of this corner of Tuscany: a welcoming community that opens the doors of its historic center to share a simple and heartfelt popular tradition. The Carnival is part of the broader calendar of events that animate the Chianti municipalities throughout the year, from winter festivals to major summer celebrations.

Castellina Carnival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Castellina in Chianti Carnival took place on Sunday, February 15, starting at 3:30 PM, along the streets of the historic center. The chosen theme was the 'Land of Toys', inspired by the tale of Pinocchio: the village was populated by costumed characters such as the Cat, the Fox, Pinocchio, and Fire-Eater, for an afternoon of joy dedicated to adults and children.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Castellina in Chianti celebrated Carnival by transforming into the Land of Toys, a tribute to the famous tale of Pinocchio. Starting at 3:30 PM, the streets of the historic center hosted an afternoon of masks, costumes, and fun for all ages.

Among the day's protagonists, the Cat and the Fox enlivened the village with their presence, while Pinocchio was available for souvenir photos with children, and Fire-Eater, grumpy only in appearance, completed the fairytale scenery. An opportunity to unleash creativity and let oneself be carried away by the joy of the festival.

Programme Castellina Carnival 2026

Sunday, February 15, 2026

  • 3:30 PM — Start of the festival along the streets of the historic center of Castellina in Chianti
  • Meeting with the characters from the tale of Pinocchio: the Cat and the Fox, wandering mysteriously through the village
  • Pinocchio available for souvenir photos with children
  • Fire-Eater, fearsome but with a kind heart
  • Afternoon of masks, costumes, and fun for adults and children, with an invitation to participate in costume

The detailed schedule of individual activities was not published as a timed agenda: the festival took place as a widespread animation along the streets of the center starting from the early afternoon.

Highlights Castellina Carnival 2026

The 'Land of Toys' theme inspired by Pinocchio, with the Cat, the Fox, Pinocchio, and Fire-Eater in costume among the village streets.

Prices Castellina Carnival 2026

Event in the streets of the historic center, free to attend.

Practical information — Castellina Carnival

How to get there

Castellina in Chianti can be reached by car from the Florence-Siena highway (exit for Chianti) or along the SR222 Chiantigiana road, which connects Florence to Siena while crossing the Chianti villages. The nearest train station is in Siena, from where you can continue by bus or car.

Where it takes place

The festival takes place in the historic center of Castellina in Chianti, along the streets and squares of the village.

When

The Carnival is held during the Carnival season, generally on a Sunday afternoon in February, starting in the early afternoon.

Costs

The event takes place in the streets of the village and is free to attend. For updated information, it is recommended to check the official channels of the Municipality of Castellina in Chianti.

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Where does it take place — Castellina Carnival

Centro storico di Castellina in Chianti

Centro storico, 53011 Castellina in Chianti

Contact Castellina Carnival

Tel
+39 0577 742911

Castellina Carnival in brief

Street arts Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Playful Outdoor Siena

History of Castellina Carnival