Spicchio-Sovigliana Carnival
The Two-Rivers Carnival: parades, allegorical floats, and the King Carnival Bonfire in Vinci
About Two-Rivers Carnival
The Carnival that unites the two banks of the Arno
The Spicchio-Sovigliana Carnival, also known as the Two-Rivers Carnival, is one of the most cherished winter traditions in the municipality of Vinci, in the province of Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. The two villages of Spicchio and Sovigliana, overlooking the Arno River, give the event its name: the river does not divide but unites, and for a few Sundays, it becomes the common thread of a local festival that attracts families, children, and curious visitors from all over the area.
Allegorical floats and masquerades along Viale Togliatti
The heart of the festival is Viale Togliatti, which is closed to traffic for the occasion and turned into a parade route. The allegorical floats, crafted by local groups and volunteers, parade accompanied by dozens of costumed participants amidst confetti, music, and joy. Markets line the entire route, while children can enjoy dedicated games and activities.
The King Carnival Bonfire and fireworks
The most anticipated moment arrives on the final day: the King Carnival Bonfire, the burning of the effigy which, according to popular tradition, consumes the grievances and hardships of the past year, followed by a fireworks display that illuminates the sky over the Arno. It is the symbolic finale that closes the weeks of celebration and marks the arrival of Lent.
A popular and free festival
Organized by the Two-Rivers Carnival Committee in collaboration with the Municipality of Vinci, the Spicchio-Sovigliana Carnival is a free-admission event, designed especially for families. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic and popular side of the Vinci area, far from the major tourist circuits but deeply rooted in the traditions of the Tuscan community.
Vinci, between Leonardo and local traditions
Famous worldwide as the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, the municipality of Vinci also boasts a rich calendar of popular festivals. The Two-Rivers Carnival is one of its most beloved events: a way to experience the territory during the winter months and to participate in a celebration that puts the community, children, and the joy of being together at the center.
Two-Rivers Carnival — edition 2026
Dates of the 2026 edition
Four Sundays of celebration along Viale Togliatti: January 25, February 1, 8, and 15, 2026, with parades starting every Sunday at 2:30 PM.
Program
- Masked parades with allegorical floats along the entire avenue, from the Birindelli roundabout to the Leonardo bar roundabout
- Markets along the route
- Activities and games for children
- King Carnival Bonfire and fireworks at the closing, postponed to Sunday, February 22 from 6:30 PM
Admission was free. For the occasion, parking and traffic bans were issued for Viale Togliatti and, for the day of the fireworks, also for Via Gramsci.
Programme Two-Rivers Carnival 2026
Parade Sundays
- Sunday, January 25 — Allegorical float and masquerade parade from 2:30 PM, with markets along Viale Togliatti
- Sunday, February 1 — Masked parade from 2:30 PM and markets
- Sunday, February 8 — Masked parade from 2:30 PM and markets
- Sunday, February 15 — Final parade from 2:30 PM
Grand finale (postponed)
- Sunday, February 22 from 6:30 PM — King Carnival Bonfire and fireworks display closing on Viale Togliatti (postponed from February 15)
Route: Viale Togliatti, from the Birindelli roundabout to the Leonardo bar roundabout, in Spicchio-Sovigliana.
Highlights Two-Rivers Carnival 2026
Prices Two-Rivers Carnival 2026
Practical information — Two-Rivers Carnival
Where
The parades take place along Viale Togliatti, in the villages of Spicchio and Sovigliana in Vinci (FI), in the section between the Birindelli roundabout and the Leonardo bar roundabout.
When
The event takes place over several Sundays in January and February, with parades starting at 2:30 PM. The grand finale with the King Carnival Bonfire and fireworks is held on the last scheduled day.
How to get there
By car: from the FI-PI-LI highway, take the Empoli exit, then follow signs for Vinci/Sovigliana. By train: Empoli station on the Florence-Pisa line, then take a bus or taxi to Sovigliana. During the parades, parking and traffic restrictions are in effect on Viale Togliatti: it is advisable to park in nearby areas and reach the route on foot.
Admission
Free. For information: Tourist Office of the Municipality of Vinci, tel. +39 0571 933285.
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Where does it take place — Two-Rivers Carnival
Viale Togliatti, Spicchio-Sovigliana
Viale Palmiro Togliatti, 50059 Vinci