Quarrata Carnival
Carnival celebrations across the hamlets of Quarrata, in the province of Pistoia
About Quarrata Carnival
The Decentralized Carnival of Quarrata
In Quarrata, located in the heart of the Pistoia plain between Florence and Pistoia, Carnival is experienced in a decentralized way: there are no massive allegorical floats, but rather a network of village parties that bring the municipality's hamlets to life for about two weeks in February. Local parishes, associations, and social clubs keep this simple and genuine popular tradition alive, designed primarily for children and families.
Festivities in the Hamlets
The hub of the celebrations is the hamlet of Catena, where the main party is held in Piazza della Chiesa, along the via Vecchia Fiorentina. Expect an afternoon of games for the little ones, a costume parade, magic shows, and the classic 'pentolaccia' game, accompanied by frittelle and sweets for everyone. The Catena festivities continue a few days later in the parish hall with indoor games and snacks.
In Casini, the Parish of San Biagio organizes an afternoon of celebration with music, bomboloni, crêpes, and cenci, along with the traditional wheel game. Meanwhile, in the main town, the Campagna Amica market in Piazza Risorgimento gets into the Carnival spirit with frittelle, cenci, and typical pastries, while the Tamburo della Luna club hosts a large evening party with live music and a prize for the best costume.
A Community Carnival
The Quarrata Carnival perfectly captures the spirit of inland Tuscany: decentralized parties managed by volunteers, where participation matters more than spectacle. The stars of the show are the children in costume, the snacks prepared by the parishes, and the festive atmosphere filling the squares. It is a chance to discover an authentic side of the province of Pistoia, far from major tourist events and close to the daily life of the local area.
Quarrata Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Quarrata Carnival confirmed its decentralized formula, with events held in the various hamlets of the municipality in the province of Pistoia. The highlight was the party in Catena at Piazza della Chiesa, followed by celebrations in Casini and events in the main town, culminating in the grand finale on Shrove Tuesday. A program designed especially for the little ones and local families.
Programme Quarrata Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 8 — Catena
- 14:30 — Carnival party in Piazza della Chiesa della Catena (via Vecchia Fiorentina, 2nd section): children's games, costume parade, magic by Mago Semola, pentolaccia game, and music for everyone, with frittelle and drinks. In case of rain, postponed to Sunday, February 15.
Thursday, February 12 — Quarrata Center
- 09:30 — Campagna Amica market in Piazza Risorgimento, featuring frittelle, cenci, and traditional Carnival sweets.
Sunday, February 15 — Casini
- 15:00 — Carnival party hosted by the Parish of San Biagio: music, bomboloni, crêpes, and cenci, with the wheel game.
Tuesday, February 17 — Catena and Main Town
- 16:00 — Games and snacks for children in the Catena parish hall (indoors, no confetti).
- Evening — Grand party at the Tamburo della Luna club (via Fermi), with live music by the Sorbera Band and a prize for the best costume (event reserved for ARCI members).
Highlights Quarrata Carnival 2026
Prices Quarrata Carnival 2026
Practical information — Quarrata Carnival
Where
The festivities take place in the hamlets of the Municipality of Quarrata (PT): specifically in Catena (Piazza della Chiesa, via Vecchia Fiorentina), in Casini (Parish of San Biagio), and in the main town (Piazza Risorgimento, Tamburo della Luna club on via Fermi).
When
In the first half of February, during the Carnival season. Dates vary from year to year according to the liturgical calendar.
Good to know
The events are designed for children and families, with generally free admission. Some indoor events may require adherence to specific rules (such as a ban on confetti in parish halls). In case of bad weather, outdoor events may be postponed.
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