Vecchiano Carnival

The Vecchiano Carnival: A Century-Old Tradition

The Vecchiano Carnival is one of the most beloved events in the municipality of Vecchiano, in the province of Pisa, located in the heart of Tuscany along the Serchio River. For four Sundays between January and February, the town center transforms into a large open-air stage, where papier-mâché allegorical floats created in the Viareggio style take center stage.

Its origins date back to 1927, and the tradition, which has been held continuously for about fifty years, has made this Carnival an unmissable event for local families. In 2026, the event celebrates a major milestone: its 50th edition.

Viareggio-Style Allegorical Floats

The heart of the festival lies in the large papier-mâché floats, the result of patient and passionate work by master craftsmen and local artists. The proximity to nearby Viareggio, the capital of the Tuscan Carnival, is reflected in the style of the floats, which are animated and manually operated as they parade slowly through the streets around Piazza Garibaldi. Stops along the route allow children to climb on and off the floats, making them the true protagonists of the celebration.

A Family-Friendly Carnival

During the parades, the streets of the center are closed to traffic and fill with masks, dancing, and singing. Each afternoon is accompanied by a marching band, the characteristic miniature train for children, games, confetti, and the inevitable stalls selling sweets and carnival novelties. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of a genuine Tuscan village festival.

Vecchiano and the Serchio Territory

Situated between the Monte Pisano and the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Regional Park, the municipality of Vecchiano also involves its hamlets in the carnival tradition, including Filettole, which organizes its own festivities on Carnival Sundays. The Vecchiano Carnival is organized by the Vecchiano Carnival Committee, which coordinates volunteers, builders, and local associations every year.

When It Takes Place

The parades are held on Sunday afternoons, starting at 3:00 PM, for four dates between late January and mid-February. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Pisa and a popular tradition that continues to engage entire generations.