Empoli Carnival — Another Carnival
Three Saturdays of masquerade fun between Piazza Farinata degli Uberti and the historic center
About Empoli Carnival
A Carnival reborn in the heart of Empoli
After years of hiatus, the Empoli Carnival has returned to celebrate in the city's historic center, located in the Province of Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. The 2026 edition, titled "Another Carnival — Under the Same Sky", is the second of an event that has brought confetti, masks, and joy back to the streets and squares of Empoli, confirming the city's desire to reclaim its carnival traditions.
Where it takes place
The heart of the festivities is the evocative Piazza Farinata degli Uberti, Empoli's monumental living room overlooking the Collegiate Church of Sant'Andrea, from which the parades wind through the historic center. The installations and entertainment transform the entire city center into an open-air path, perfect for exploring on foot with children.
Masks, music, and street art
The program blends tradition with contemporary creativity: parades, marching bands, circus shows, rock performances, and allegorical masquerades. Among the most beloved guests are Burlamacco and Ondina, the official masks of the famous Viareggio Carnival, who bring a piece of Tuscany's great carnival tradition to Empoli. There is no shortage of art installations scattered throughout the historic center and allegorical papier-mâché, the quintessential symbol of Carnival.
The costume contest
The participatory heart of the festival is the best costume contest, open to individuals, couples, and groups of all ages: a jury awards the most beautiful and original masks, with prizes ranging from tickets to the Viareggio Carnival Museum to tickets for Empoli FC home matches. It is a way to directly involve citizens and families, the true engine of this carnival revival.
A festival for everyone
Free and widespread, the Empoli Carnival is designed as a community celebration: workshops, children's entertainment, face painting, live music, and parades make every Saturday an opportunity to experience the historic center in a joyful atmosphere. An event that, edition after edition, is becoming one of the most anticipated moments of the Empoli winter.
Empoli Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Empoli Carnival took place over several days of celebration between January 24 and February 28, transforming Piazza Farinata degli Uberti and the historic center into an open-air stage. The theme "Under the Same Sky" combined carnival tradition and contemporary creativity, with parades, folk music, circus shows, and four installations by master Umberto Cinquini scattered through the streets of the center.
The inaugural parade featured Burlamacco and Ondina, the official masks of the Viareggio Carnival, accompanied by bands, performers, and allegorical floats. The best costume contest, open to individuals, couples, and groups, awarded the most beautiful and original masks. All events were free of charge.
Programme Empoli Carnival 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026 — Inaugural Parade
- 11:00 AM — Inaugural parade with Burlamacco and Ondina, official masks of the Viareggio Carnival, and characters from the Burlamacco company
- 4:00 PM — Opening parade of the CAM Band with performers from the Compagnia di Sant'Andrea
- 5:00 PM — Arrival of Circo Madera from Turin, with a Ferris wheel
Saturday, February 7, 2026 — Second Day
- 4:00 PM — Folk parade of the Collettivo Folcloristico Montano from Pistoia
- 5:00 PM — Marlon Banda Show
Saturday, February 21, 2026 — Parade and Contest
- Parade in the historic center with the group masquerade "Together under the same sky" by papier-mâché artisan Silvano Bianchi
- At sunset, award ceremony for the best costume contest
Saturday, February 28, 2026 — Final Parade
- 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM — Entertainment: face painting by Grazia D'Amaro, confetti stand by the association Noi da Grandi
- 4:00 PM — Final parade opened by the Collettivo Folcloristico Montano from Pistoia
- 5:00 PM — Rock show by Katastrofa Rock and Friends from Livorno, with puppets and interactive performance
Throughout the historic center, four installations by master Umberto Cinquini (winner of the Allegory Prize at the Viareggio Carnival 2026).
Highlights Empoli Carnival 2026
- Burlamacco and Ondina, official masks of the Viareggio Carnival
- Art installations by Umberto Cinquini in the historic center
- Best costume contest open to everyone
- Circo Madera, marching bands, and rock show by Katastrofa Rock and Friends
Prices Empoli Carnival 2026
Practical information — Empoli Carnival
How to get there
Empoli is easily accessible by train on the Florence–Pisa line: the station is just a few minutes' walk from the historic center and Piazza Farinata degli Uberti. By car, take the Empoli exit from the FI-PI-LI highway, with parking available in areas near the center.
Admission
All Empoli Carnival events are free of charge.
Information
Municipality of Empoli — URP, phone +39 0571 757999, email [email protected]. Coordination by Canto Rovesciato Aps.
Tips
The main parades are held in the afternoon: arrive a little early to find a spot in the square. The event is suitable for families with children.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Empoli Carnival
Piazza Farinata degli Uberti e centro storico
Piazza Farinata degli Uberti, 50053 Empoli