Orentano Children's Carnival

A carnival made for children

In the heart of the lower Valdarno, in Orentano—a village within the municipality of Castelfranco di Sotto in the province of Pisa—one of Tuscany's most unique winter carnivals takes place: the Orentano Children's Carnival. Its distinctiveness is captured in its name: here, the true stars are not the adults, but the children, who parade in costume and ride the allegorical floats, becoming an integral part of the show.

A tradition born in 1956

The history of this event dates back to 1956, when the local parish priest, Don Livio Costagli, had the idea of organizing a masked parade entirely dedicated to children. From that intuition, a festival was born that has been passed down through generations, now reaching its 69th edition: a record of longevity that makes it one of the most deeply rooted carnival traditions in the Pisan territory.

The floats and the parade

The heart of the festival lies in the allegorical floats, which grow larger and more numerous every year, built by the villagers with passion and ingenuity. The themes are almost always inspired by the cartoons and films most loved by children: over the years, Barbie's house, The Jungle Book, the Minions, Mickey Mouse, the Addams Family, and the world of Frozen have all come to life. During the parades, the floats travel through the center of Orentano accompanied by music, often performed live by folk bands and street bands, creating a cheerful and popular atmosphere.

The burning of the Testone and the fireworks

The most anticipated moment is the grand finale on Shrove Tuesday, held at night: at 10:30 PM, the burning of the Testone takes place. This historic carnival logo, made of straw and measuring about 4 meters in diameter, is set ablaze alongside a stunning fireworks show. It is the ritual that symbolically closes the festival and bids farewell to the arrival of Lent, in a setting of light and fire that draws the entire town together.

Flavors and activities

Beyond the parades, the carnival days in Orentano are enlivened by food stalls serving traditional specialties: pizza, cecina, frati, and bomboloni, perfect to enjoy while strolling among the floats. During the festival days, it is also possible to visit the local Archaeological Museum, combining fun with a touch of local culture.

A festival for the whole family

Free and held outdoors, the Orentano Children's Carnival is an ideal destination for families looking to experience an authentic carnival, far from large commercial events. The event is organized by the Ente Carnevale dei Bambini Pro Loco di Orentano APS, with the patronage of the municipal administration of Castelfranco di Sotto and the support of the Tuscany Region.