Uffizi del Carnevale

A centuries-old tradition in the Valdarno

The Uffizi del Carnevale is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted events in San Giovanni Valdarno, a town in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. Its origins date back to the second half of the 17th century: the first archival documents attesting to its existence go back to 1675, a time when the veneration of the deceased, encouraged by the Council of Trent, was taking on new forms of popular devotion. During those years, seven confraternities dedicated to suffrage were founded in the city, gathering during the Carnival period to offer wax, money, and goods for religious celebrations.

The meaning of the name

The term "Uffizi" has a precise ecclesiastical meaning: it derives from the act of officiating, specifically the office for the dead. To this day, the office for the dead is honored through offerings made to the Oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie—now a Basilica—to fund masses and suffrage celebrations. What began as a ceremony of deep devotion has evolved over time into a participatory festival that unites spiritual life with community cohesion.

A typical day

Each of the five events follows a well-established ritual that brings the historic center to life in the morning:

• 11:00 AM — Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Piazza Masaccio;
• Following the mass — The 'carroccio' parade through the streets of the center, with costumed pages re-enacting the ancient procession of offerings, accompanied by the Municipal Concert Band and flag-wavers;
• Conclusion — A convivial lunch in the Basilica halls, featuring local traditional dishes and the famous Stufato alla sangiovannese, the event's true gastronomic symbol.

The five Uffizi of 2026

The 2026 edition was divided into five Sundays, each dedicated to a historical 'Uffizio':

• January 18 — Uffizio of Sant'Antonio;
• January 25 — Uffizio of Santa Lucia;
• February 1 — Uffizio of the Industry;
• February 8 — Uffizio of the Vicariate;
• February 15 — Uffizio of the Women.

On the Sundays of January 18 and February 15, the Mercatino delle Idee (Market of Ideas), a monthly event dedicated to crafts and original creations, was also held in Piazza Cavour.

Carnival and Uffizi: two souls of the same festival

The Uffizi are part of the broader historic Carnival of San Giovanni, organized by the Historic Carnival Association with the support of the Municipality, the Pro Loco, and local schools. On the final Sundays and Shrove Tuesday, Corso Italia hosts the parade of allegorical floats, while the Uffizi preserve the older, more religious soul of the tradition. This combination makes San Giovanni Valdarno one of the most evocative destinations in Tuscany during the Carnival season.