Ohana Carnival
Edition 2026 Street arts Folk traditions Folklore

Ohana Carnival

The Certaldo Carnival: masks, colors, and pure joy for all ages

Certaldo — Firenze (248) Since 2024
Dates 17 Feb — 17 Feb 2026
Location Certaldo (248)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Ohana Carnival

The Ohana Carnival is the signature celebration in Certaldo, nestled in the heart of the Florentine Valdelsa. Every year, the town comes alive with vibrant masks, colors, and smiles as a parade winds its way from the lower town up to the charming medieval village of Certaldo Alto. Organized by the Ohana Association in partnership with ProLoco Certaldo and the Polis Association, with support from the local municipality and schools, it is a family-friendly event featuring music, performances, games, and entertainment for children.

The Certaldo Carnival by Ohana

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 Parade to Certaldo Alto

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.

A Festival Designed for Families

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.

A Network of Associations and Schools

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.

Why You Should Attend

  • A family-friendly Carnival in the heart of the Florentine Valdelsa.
  • The costume parade winding through the streets up to Certaldo Alto.
  • Games, activities, and performances for children and teenagers.
  • The chance to discover one of Tuscany's most beautiful medieval villages in a festive mood.

Ohana Carnival — edition 2026

The third edition of the Ohana Carnival took place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Certaldo. A day of celebration filled with masks, colors, and smiles, featuring the traditional parade from Piazza della Libertà to Certaldo Alto and plenty of activities for all ages.

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.

Programme Ohana Carnival 2026

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

  • 2:00 PM — Meeting point and start of the costume parade from Piazza della Libertà
  • Parade through the town streets up to Certaldo Alto, with creative and colorful costumes
  • Lively music and performances along the route
  • Games, activities, and surprises for children and teenagers

Free event open to the public, organized in collaboration with local schools (Istituto Comprensivo di Certaldo and Istituto Maria SS. Bambina).

Highlights Ohana Carnival 2026

The costume parade from Piazza della Libertà to Certaldo Alto, featuring music, performances, and entertainment for the little ones.

Prices Ohana Carnival 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Ohana Carnival

When

The Ohana Carnival takes place during the Carnival season in February. The costume parade starts in the afternoon, around 2:00 PM.

Where

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.

How to get there

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.

Admission

The event is free and open to the public.

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Where does it take place — Ohana Carnival

Certaldo Alto

Piazza della Libertà, 50052 Certaldo

Contact Ohana Carnival

Ohana Carnival in brief

Street arts Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Playful Outdoor Free Firenze

History of Ohana Carnival