Florence Carnival

The Renaissance Carnival lives again in Florence

The Florence Carnival is the event that brings back to the Tuscan capital the great carnival tradition that the city experienced during the Renaissance, in the era of Lorenzo de' Medici: allegorical floats, masquerades, carnival songs, and public celebrations once animated the Florentine squares. Promoted by the non-profit cultural association of the same name, the event takes place in the heart of the Municipality of Florence, in Tuscany, and transforms the historic center into a stage of color, music, and imagination for an entire weekend.

The Grand Ball at Palazzo Vecchio

The most elegant moment of the event is the Grand Masquerade Ball, a gala evening hosted in the monumental rooms of Palazzo Vecchio. Guests enter through the Cortile di Michelozzo and take their seats in the famous Salone dei Cinquecento for the gala dinner, followed by the After Party in the Sala d'Arme. The evening, with a formal dress code and mandatory masks, offers gourmet cuisine and themed performances in an atmosphere that recalls the splendor of Renaissance courts.

The Grand Parade in the city center

The popular, free heart of the festival is the Grand Parade on Sunday, which winds along the most picturesque streets of the center. The procession starts from Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and crosses Via de' Banchi, Via de' Rondinelli, Via Tornabuoni, the Lungarno degli Acciaioli, and Por Santa Maria, finally arriving in Piazza della Signoria. From the early afternoon, the "Waiting for Carnival" entertainment warms up the crowd in Piazza Santa Maria Novella with music, confetti, and family-friendly fun.

The Neighborhood Carnivals

The celebration is not limited to the center: in the following days, the Florentine districts offer their own events. The Neighborhood Carnival of District 5 enlivens the I° Maggio, Garibaldi, and Ilaria Alpi and Miran Hrovatin squares with processions and children's entertainment, while the gardens of Via Morandi, Via Allori, del Lippi, and delle Medaglie d'Oro host widespread festivities. Closing the calendar is the Carnival of Peace, a large parade with music and dances from around the world involving Districts 1, 4, and 5.

A festival with a charitable purpose

Beyond the spectacle, the Florence Carnival also has a charitable mission: proceeds from the Grand Ball support solidarity projects for the families of children hospitalized in the city. It is a way to combine the joy of the festival with care for the community, in line with the welcoming spirit of the Florentine tradition.

Why attend

• The free Grand Parade in the historic center of Florence, from Santa Maria Novella to Piazza della Signoria.
• The Grand Masquerade Ball in the monumental rooms of Palazzo Vecchio.
• Widespread neighborhood parties with entertainment dedicated to children.
• An event that brings the city's Renaissance carnival tradition back to life.