Follonica Carnival

Carnival by the Maremma Sea

In the heart of the Tuscan winter, when the coast is still far from the summer crowds, Follonica comes alive with one of the most heartfelt carnivals on the coast: the Follonica Carnival. Along the Carducci seafront, grand papier-mâché floats parade before the sea, accompanied by masked groups, music, and choreography meticulously prepared for months by the district teams. It is a popular festival in the most authentic sense of the word, built from the ground up by the residents of the Municipality of Follonica, in the province of Grosseto.

The District Challenge

The core of the event is the competition between the city's districts, which design a themed float and a choreographed masquerade each year. Historically, the districts of Capannino, Cassarello, 167 Ovest Campi Alti al Mare, Centro, Pratoranieri, Senzuno, and Zona Nuova compete for victory, while the Chiesa district traditionally participates out of competition with the King Carnival float. A jury evaluates the best float and the best mask during the final parades, while the Carnival Queen is elected from among the district representatives during the first Sundays.

A Tradition Spanning Over Half a Century

Reaching its 59th edition in 2026, the Follonica Carnival has its roots in the 1960s and is now an integral part of the city's identity. The construction of the floats, the art of papier-mâché, and the organization of the districts represent a heritage of popular traditions passed down from generation to generation, with the presentation of the float sketches at the Teatro Fonderia Leopolda in December officially kicking off the carnival season.

Beyond the Parades

In addition to the Sunday afternoon masked processions, the calendar is enriched with side events: the arrival of King Carnival to open the festivities, concerts by the city band featuring the district queens, musical evenings, and the final celebrations with awards ceremonies. The last parade, often scheduled for Saturday, takes place at sunset and continues into the night, giving the floats a truly unique atmosphere.

A Festival for All of Tuscany

Easily accessible from the Tyrrhenian coast and the Grosseto hinterland, the Follonica Carnival is an ideal destination for families and fans of Tuscan popular traditions. Between papier-mâché, confetti, and the scent of the sea, it is one of the best opportunities to discover the lively winter of the Maremma.