Pontassieve Carnival

The Valdisieve Carnival

The Pontassieve Carnival is one of the most cherished popular traditions in the Valdisieve, the hilly area east of Florence crossed by the Sieve river. More than just a single event, it is a widespread festival that, for over a week, involves the main town and numerous villages within the Municipality of Pontassieve, in the Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany. Floats, confetti, streamers, costumes, and music turn squares and streets into a large, colorful stage, with a program designed especially for children and families.

A tradition dating back to 1964

The historical heart of the event is the Children's Carnival of Pontassieve and San Francesco, featuring the "Mascherina d'Oro" competition. Established in 1964 within the "Pro Familia" club, it has returned to the spotlight in recent years after being revived. The competition rewards the most beautiful, original, and charming costume, attracting many children in fancy dress every year. Alongside this established tradition, the Pontassieve Carnival has gradually expanded to the surrounding villages, each with its own parade and unique character.

Festivities in the villages

The carnival calendar is spread across several days and locations:

• Sieci Carnival: A costume parade starting from Piazza Albizi and reaching the Circolo 1° Maggio, featuring food stalls, snacks, music, and the traditional bonfire.
• Montebonello and Rufina Carnival: Organized by the Compagnia della Torre and the Carnevale di Fosco, with the main parade running from Piazza Umberto I in Rufina to Piazza Pertini in Montebonello.
• Molino del Piano: A themed parade meeting in Piazza Matteotti with a final snack in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
• Pontassieve Historic Center: The "Mascherina d'Oro" competition at the Teatro Cinema Italia and the grand parade of floats created by local schools, which travels through Pontassieve and San Francesco.

Atmosphere and territory

The Pontassieve Carnival is an authentic celebration, built from the ground up thanks to the work of local clubs, Pro Loco associations, schools, and community groups. The floats, often inspired by films, fairy tales, and famous characters, are the result of weeks of volunteer work. For those visiting the Valdisieve, the Carnival is also an opportunity to discover a corner of Tuscany far from the beaten path, amidst hills, Chianti Rufina vineyards, and villages that preserve a strong sense of community.