Sangiovannese Carnival

The San Giovanni Valdarno Carnival

The Sangiovannese Carnival is the major carnival celebration in San Giovanni Valdarno, a town in the Province of Arezzo overlooking the Arno River in the heart of the Upper Valdarno, Tuscany. For three days, the historic center transforms into an open-air stage where massive allegorical floats parade through the streets and squares, accompanied by vibrant costumed processions that delight both adults and children.

A Deeply Rooted Tradition

The event is deeply tied to the town's history and identity and is organized by the Historical Sangiovannese Carnival Association, with the support of the Municipality of San Giovanni Valdarno and the local Pro Loco. The floats are built entirely by hand by local craftsmen who spend months each year working on a new theme: a traditional craft passed down through generations that makes the Carnival a highly anticipated event throughout the Valdarno region.

The Allegorical Floats

The heart of the festival lies in the floats, which are true animated scenic machines. In recent years, the production has been enhanced through a collaboration with the robotics department of ISIS Valdarno, which handles the mechanisms and special effects, and with fashion design students who create the parade costumes. Alongside the themed floats, there is always a dedicated children's float featuring their favorite characters.

Entertainment and Festivities

Beyond the parades, the Sangiovannese Carnival offers a packed program: the Carnival train that takes visitors through the center, inflatables and games for children in Piazza Cavour, the Uffizi del Carnevale with historical pageants and social gatherings on festival Sundays, workshops for children at the museum, and the festive Festa della Salacca that closes the celebrations in the Arno floodplains, in the Oltrarno district.

When to Visit

The Sangiovannese Carnival takes place during the carnival season, between February and early March, with events spread over two Sundays and Shrove Tuesday. It is a free, family-friendly festival, perfect for discovering the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan town off the beaten tourist path.