Vaiano Carnival

A popular tradition in the Bisenzio Valley

The Vaiano Carnival is one of the most cherished events in the Municipality of Vaiano, located in the heart of the Bisenzio Valley, in the province of Prato (Tuscany). Every year, between late February and early March, the town streets fill with confetti, masks, and music to host the parade of allegorical floats—a highly anticipated event for both adults and children that draws participants from across the entire valley.

Origins: from grape carts to the Children's Carnival

The tradition of floats in Vaiano is long-standing: as early as the 1940s, locals built impressive allegorical floats, pulled by oxen, to celebrate the grape harvest. From that experience, the first Children's Carnival was born in 1982, conceived by the Council of the Casa del Popolo. Throughout the eighties and nineties, the festival grew: the floats became increasingly elaborate, the masks more original, and the number of participants swelled, turning the Carnival into a defining identity event for the entire community.

The parade and the route

The highlight is the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups along the town center streets. The procession traditionally starts from the Pasticceria Cappelli area and travels along via Braga to Piazza del Comune, the heart of the festivities. For the occasion, the Municipality closes the affected streets to traffic, including via Braga, Piazza del Comune, via Cavallotti, and via Corona.

Entertainment and family activities

The Vaiano Carnival has a strong focus on families. In addition to the floats, the program features:

• magic and soap bubble shows;
• stilt walkers and street entertainment;
• face painting and workshops dedicated to the little ones;
• live music, dancing, and plenty of joy in the square;
• food stands serving fried pasta and traditional Carnival sweets, organized by the Sofignano association.

Who organizes the festival

The event is the result of a collaborative effort between the Municipal Administration of Vaiano, the Vaiano Carnival Association, the Sofignano Circle, and the ICS Bartolini kindergarten, with the support of volunteers from the Misericordia, Red Cross, Civil Protection, and Carabinieri, who ensure the event runs safely. Admission is free, confirming the popular and inclusive spirit that has always characterized this festival in the Bisenzio Valley.