Vitolini Children's Carnival

Vitolini Children's Carnival

In Vitolini, a hillside hamlet in the municipality of Vinci near Florence, Carnival is a festival that belongs to the entire village and, edition after edition, puts children at the center. The Vitolini Children's Carnival brings the village streets to life for four consecutive Sundays, transforming them into an open-air stage filled with confetti, streamers, and joy. It is one of those authentic village festivals, far from the massive crowds of Tuscany's most famous carnivals, which is precisely why it retains such a spontaneous and family-friendly atmosphere.

Parade floats and La Compagnia degli Ortacci

The heart of the event is the parade of floats, built with patience and imagination by the volunteers of La Compagnia degli Ortacci, the association that has organized the event and kept this tradition alive for nearly forty years. Papier-mâché, vibrant colors, and meticulous craftsmanship bring to life the figures that parade along Via della Libertà and through the village streets, starting from the Circolo Arci di Vitolini. Participation is open to everyone, and admission is completely free.

Pentolaccia, bouncy castles, and the best-costume contest

In addition to the parades, the program offers numerous activities for children. Among the most beloved moments is the pentolaccia in the square—an ancient carnival game deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition—as well as bouncy castles for the little ones and food stalls serving typical carnival sweets and snacks. There is also a best-costume contest, which rewards the most original and well-crafted outfits. The Circolo Arci also offers the option to have lunch, by reservation, before the festivities begin.

A Carnival in the territory of Vinci

The festival is part of a broader carnival calendar in the municipality of Vinci, which also features the nearby Spicchio-Sovigliana Carnival. Vitolini, however, maintains its identity as a children's carnival: small, genuine, and perfect for those seeking an authentic experience in the Tuscan countryside of Montalbano, just a few kilometers from the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. For local families and visitors alike, it is the ideal opportunity to spend an afternoon celebrating popular tradition and community values.