The Certaldo Carnival: masks, colors, and pure joy for all ages
The Ohana Carnival has become one of the most anticipated winter events in Certaldo, a town in the Valdelsa area of the province of Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. Created to bring the spirit of Carnival back to the local streets, the event has quickly captured the hearts of families, children, and visitors alike, thanks to its joyful and deeply community-focused atmosphere. Masks, colors, and smiles fill the town for a day of shared fun, games, performances, and magic for both young and old.
The highlight is the traditional costume parade, which kicks off from Piazza della Libertà and winds through the streets up to the medieval village of Certaldo Alto—one of the most fascinating corners of Tuscany and the hometown of Giovanni Boccaccio. Participants parade in creative and colorful costumes, accompanied by lively music and performances that energize the entire day. The journey to the upper part of the town, which can also be reached via the historic funicular, offers a unique backdrop of ancient walls, towers, and medieval vistas.
The Ohana Carnival focuses on the little ones: the program is packed with games, activities, and surprises designed to engage children and teenagers, alongside various performances and entertainment. The festival is open to the entire community and was founded with the clear goal of uniting people and sharing moments of happiness.
The event is promoted by the Ohana Association together with ProLoco Certaldo and the Polis Association, in collaboration with the Municipality of Certaldo and local schools, including the Istituto Comprensivo di Certaldo and the Istituto Maria SS. Bambina. It is this network of local entities that gives the Ohana Carnival its authentic, grassroots character as a true community celebration.
The 3rd edition of the Ohana Carnival was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, on Shrove Tuesday. The format loved by families was confirmed: the costume parade starting in the afternoon from Piazza della Libertà and arriving in Certaldo Alto, accompanied by music and performances along the way.
The 2026 edition, organized by the Ohana Association with ProLoco Certaldo and the Polis Association, and in collaboration with the municipality and local schools, offered games, activities, and surprises designed for children and teenagers, in a day dedicated to shared joy.
Free event open to the public, organized in collaboration with local schools (Istituto Comprensivo di Certaldo and Istituto Maria SS. Bambina).
The Ohana Carnival takes place during the Carnival season in February. The costume parade starts in the afternoon, around 2:00 PM.
Meeting point at Piazza della Libertà in Certaldo (FI), with a parade heading towards Certaldo Alto. The upper village can be reached on foot or via the funicular.
By train: Certaldo station on the Florence-Siena/Empoli-Siena line, just a short walk from the center. By car: Florence-Siena expressway, exit at Certaldo. Ample parking is available in the lower part of the town.
The event is free and open to the public.
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Certaldo Alto
Piazza della Libertà, 50052 Certaldo