Montepulciano Carnival
Two weeks of festivities, masquerade parades, and parties across the historic center and surrounding villages
About Montepulciano Carnival
A widespread Carnival in the heart of Valdichiana
In Montepulciano, in the province of Siena, the Carnival is not confined to a single day but spreads across an entire period, transforming into a true widespread Carnival. From the hilltop town to the hamlets of Valiano, Abbadia, Gracciano, and Montepulciano Stazione, every corner of the territory organizes its own event, creating a dense and varied calendar. This is the typical formula for local festivities: not a major event imposed from above, but a network of initiatives born from the grassroots, driven by the town's contrade (districts) and associations.
Tradition and the Pro Loco parade
The symbolic heart of the festival remains the masquerade parade promoted by the Pro Loco of Montepulciano, which has successfully brought the Carnival back to the streets of the historic center. On Sunday, the Banda Poliziana leads the costumed procession starting from Piazza Grande, accompanied by entertainment, games, face painting, giant bubbles, and shows for families. It is a revival of a tradition that, in the post-war period, featured allegorical floats, masquerade processions, and the satirical rite of the 'Testament', and which today attracts families from all over the Valdichiana.
Festivities in the districts and hamlets
Alongside the parade, the Montepulciano Carnival thrives on numerous events curated by local groups:
- Valiano Carnival Dinner, organized by the Padule District, featuring Tuscan cuisine, live music, and a prize for the most original costume.
- Carnival at the Cripta del Gesù, hosted by the Voltaia District, with games for children, streamers, and fritters.
- Children's Masquerade Party at the Gracciano District headquarters, a historic event now in its forty-third year.
- 'Carnevale Innamorato' and 'Carnevale Sbagliato', evening events for adults with dinners, music, and costume contests.
- Parties for the little ones in Abbadia and at the 'I Tigli' sports center in Montepulciano Stazione.
A Carnival for everyone
Almost all events are free to enter and designed for families, with special attention given to children, who are the stars of parties, snacks, and entertainment. Dressing up in costume is always encouraged. For those visiting Tuscany out of season, the Montepulciano Carnival is the perfect opportunity to discover the authenticity of a 'Vino Nobile' village lived by its inhabitants, far from the mass tourism circuits.
Montepulciano Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Carnival in Montepulciano confirmed the widespread Carnival formula, with events distributed over two weeks between the main town and the hamlets. From the opening dinner in Valiano to the closing evening in Abbadia, districts and associations enlivened the territory with parties for all ages, almost all with free admission.
Programme Montepulciano Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 7
- Valiano Carnival Dinner (5th edition) — 8:00 PM, Valiano Parish Hall. Organized by the Padule District, featuring Tuscan cuisine, live music by Fabio & Luigi, and a prize for the most original costume. Booking required by February 4.
Saturday, February 14
- Carnival at the Cripta del Gesù — 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM, organized by the Voltaia District: children's games, music, streamers, and fritters, with entertainment by Fantasy Zone.
- 'Carnevale Innamorato' — 'Da Renato' restaurant, organized by Asd La Chianina, with live music by Marco and Gabriele and a contest for the three best costumes.
Sunday, February 15
- Carnival for the little ones in Abbadia — from 3:00 PM, area adjacent to the parish: snack, face painting, and group dances (Terzo Millennio Association).
- Carnival for the little ones in Montepulciano Stazione — from 3:30 PM, 'I Tigli' sports center: 19th Carnival party for children with entertainment and snacks.
Tuesday, February 17
- Children's Masquerade Party (43rd edition) — from 4:30 PM, Gracciano District headquarters: confetti, 'crogetti' for everyone, games, entertainment, and a final show by the Lux Arcana group.
Saturday, February 21
- 'Carnevale Sbagliato' — hall adjacent to the Abbadia parish: dinner at 8:00 PM and DJ set from 10:30 PM, with prizes for the three best costumes (Terzo Millennio Association).
These events are accompanied, as per tradition, by the Pro Loco masquerade parade with the Banda Poliziana, which crosses the historic center starting from Piazza Grande.
Highlights Montepulciano Carnival 2026
- Pro Loco parade with the Banda Poliziana in Piazza Grande
- Children's masquerade party in Gracciano (43rd edition)
- Valiano Carnival Dinner by the Padule District
Prices Montepulciano Carnival 2026
Practical information — Montepulciano Carnival
How to get there
Montepulciano can be reached by car from the A1 motorway (Valdichiana/Bettolle-Sinalunga exit), continuing for about 20 km. By train, the reference station is Montepulciano Stazione, on the Siena-Chiusi line, connected to the historic center by local buses.
Where it takes place
Events are distributed between the historic center (Piazza Grande, Cripta del Gesù) and the hamlets of Valiano, Abbadia, Gracciano, and Montepulciano Stazione.
Costs
Most events have free admission; for dinners, booking with the organizing associations is required.
Contacts
Communication and Press Office, Palazzo Comunale, Piazza Grande 1, Montepulciano (SI). Tel. +39 0578 712258.
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Where does it take place — Montepulciano Carnival
Centro storico e frazioni di Montepulciano
Piazza Grande 1, 53045 Montepulciano