The Casentino children's carnival: magic, snacks, and solidarity
The Corsalone Carnival Festival is one of those traditions that captures the most authentic soul of rural Tuscanyโthe small Apennine villages where the community still gathers around its roots. Corsalone is a hamlet in the municipality of Chiusi della Verna, in the heart of the Casentino valley, in the province of Arezzo: a valley floor embraced by the forests of the Casentinesi Forests National Park, just a few kilometers from the famous La Verna Sanctuary.
Every year, on Shrove Tuesday, the Corsalone gym transforms into a kingdom for the little ones. The festival is specifically designed for preschool and primary school children from the Casentino area, who arrive in costume for an afternoon of games, laughter, and wonder.
The afternoon kicks off with a magic show that enchants both young and old, followed by a delicious snack offered to all participants. Confetti, streamers, colorful costumes, and the infectious joy of the children do the rest, creating the familiar and welcoming atmosphere typical of village festivals.
The event is organized and brought to life by organizations deeply rooted in the community: the Mauro ed Enrico Grifoni Forever association, the Pro Loco Corsalone, and the Corsalone Social Center, which have been collaborating for years to provide moments of shared joy for the village.
What makes this Carnival truly special is its charitable dimension. Admission is free, but during the festival, guests can leave a small donation to support the Mauro ed Enrico Grifoni Forever association, which has been committed for years to improving pediatric care in Casentino. The association collaborates with the Meyer Pediatric Hospital in Florence, offering, among other things, free overnight stays for families with children undergoing treatment at the hospital and supporting the facility's Family Center.
A simple and genuine event that, every year in the heart of the Casentino winter, fills the Corsalone gym with colors, smiles, and solidarity.
The 2026 edition was held on Tuesday, February 17, on Shrove Tuesday, at the Corsalone gym. The festival, dedicated to preschool and primary school children in the Casentino area, offered an afternoon of magic and snacks in a cheerful and familiar atmosphere.
The initiative, organized by the Mauro ed Enrico Grifoni Forever association, confirmed its charitable commitment again this year to support pediatric care in the Casentino area and the Meyer Hospital in Florence.
All afternoon: entertainment, costumes, and confetti in the Corsalone gym.
Corsalone Gym, hamlet of Chiusi della Verna (AR), in the Casentino area. Corsalone is located along the Arno valley, at the intersection with the road leading up to the La Verna Sanctuary.
By car: From the E45 (CesenaโRome) you can reach the Casentino, or from the A1 motorway take the Arezzo exit and follow signs for Bibbiena and La Verna. By train: The Casentinese Railway (TFT) line connects Arezzo to Bibbiena and Pratovecchio-Stia; from Bibbiena station, continue by bus or car towards Corsalone.
Free admission. A small voluntary donation is appreciated in favor of the Mauro ed Enrico Grifoni Forever association, to support pediatric care in Casentino.
The event is designed for preschool and primary school children from the Casentino area and their families.
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Palestra del Corsalone