Mountain Carnival

The Carnival of the Pistoia Mountains villages

The Mountain Carnival is the grand carnival celebration that transforms the historic center of San Marcello Pistoiese—the main town of the San Marcello Piteglio municipality in the province of Pistoia—into the heart of Tuscany every winter. Originally conceived as a way to bring the communities of the Pistoia Apennines together, the event has quickly become the most important carnival gathering in the entire mountain region, attracting between 6,000 and 7,000 people in a single day.

The float parade challenge

The core of the event is the parade of allegorical floats created by the various towns and villages of the Pistoia Mountains. Each community spends months building their float and preparing choreography, sparking a genuine, friendly competition between the villages. Regular participants include San Marcello, Cutigliano, Maresca, Campotizzoro, Mammiano, Gavinana, Ponte Sestaione, and Spignana. The floats parade through the town streets, stopping to present their stories to the public, accompanied by music, costumes, and dance troupes.

Awards, jury, and applause-o-meter

The floats are judged on several criteria: originality of the theme, float structure, choreography, costumes, and soundtrack. Alongside the technical jury's assessment, the public has their say via the applause-o-meter, which rewards the crowd's favorite. In the 2026 edition, the San Marcello float triumphed with its "The Queen" theme, also winning the costume award, ahead of Cutigliano and Maresca.

A day of celebration for the whole valley

The Mountain Carnival is more than just a parade: the program includes dance school performances, the arrival of the Celestrella mask, a show by the Marliana Historical Group, and entertainment designed for families and children. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of a classic village carnival, filled with confetti, streamers, and the participation of the entire community.

A growing tradition

Organized by the Parish Festival Committee, the event represents a strong sense of identity for the villages of the Pistoia Apennines, where the float challenge renews a healthy spirit of local rivalry every year. San Marcello Pistoiese, also known for its famous pedestrian suspension bridge in Mammiano and its mountain landscapes, welcomes visitors from across the province of Pistoia and beyond, cementing the Mountain Carnival as one of the most beloved events of the Tuscan winter.