Veneri Carnival
The historic village carnival in the hamlet of Veneri, Pescia
About Veneri Carnival
A village carnival in the heart of Valdinievole
The Veneri Carnival takes place in the hamlet of the same name in the municipality of Pescia, in the province of Pistoia, in the heart of the Tuscan Valdinievole. Established in the early 1980s, it has become one of the most heartfelt and anticipated village carnival events in Tuscany: a celebration entirely built by the local community, capable of transforming the streets of a small village into a stage of colors, confetti, and joy.
The allegorical floats, the soul of the festival
The heart of the Veneri Carnival is its large allegorical floats, handcrafted by volunteers from the Veneri Parish Carnival Group. Each edition features a different theme and a series of floats inspired by fairy tales, cartoons, and characters beloved by children. Along the route, children can climb onto the floats and play alongside the masked participants, experiencing the parade as protagonists rather than mere spectators.
Entertainment and shows for the whole family
In addition to the parade, the carnival offers a rich entertainment program: jugglers, magicians, clown doctors, face painters, and musical bands accompany the festive afternoon. For the little ones, the magical little train is always a highlight, while rides and food stalls complete the experience with traditional sweet and savory specialties.
A community-driven event
The Veneri Carnival is an event deeply rooted in the village's social fabric: it is organized by the Parish Group with the support of the Municipality of Pescia and the collaboration of numerous local associations, including the Red Cross, which provides a free shuttle service for visitors every year. It is a genuine example of how a small hamlet can keep a popular tradition alive through the volunteer work of entire families.
When it takes place
The event is held on Sundays during the carnival period, with parades starting in the early afternoon. Admission is free, and the event is an ideal destination for a family day out in the hills of the Pistoia province.
Veneri Carnival — edition 2026
The 43rd edition of the Veneri Carnival took place on Sundays, February 1st and 8th, 2026, with parades starting at 2:30 PM. The inaugural day scheduled for January 25th was cancelled due to bad weather.
The theme chosen for the 2026 edition was 'Firefighters', featuring a float dedicated to safety alongside others inspired by Frozen, The Great Kitchen and its Chefs, Masha & the Bear, and the Confetti Boat. Along the route, there was no shortage of jugglers, magicians, clown doctors, and musical bands, while the magical little train allowed children to climb aboard the floats.
Programme Veneri Carnival 2026
Highlights Veneri Carnival 2026
Prices Veneri Carnival 2026
Practical information — Veneri Carnival
Location
Hamlet of Veneri, Municipality of Pescia (PT), Tuscany. The parades animate the streets of the village center.
How to get there
By car: Pescia is accessible from the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway (Chiesina Uzzanese or Montecatini Terme exit). By train: Pescia station on the Florence-Viareggio line, from which a free shuttle to Veneri, managed by the Red Cross, departs on parade days.
Admission and services
Free admission. Food stalls, rides, children's entertainment, and the magical little train are available. Free shuttle service operates in the afternoon from the Pescia station parking lot.
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Where does it take place — Veneri Carnival
Frazione di Veneri