Florence’s Carnival Parade 2025

 

Sunday, February 9: FLORENCE CARNIVAL PARADE. Starting point: Piazza Santa Maria Novella ending in Piazza della Signoria. 2 – 7 pm. 

Spectators will be entertained by elaborately-costumed masked participants, entertainment jugglers, and more.  Face painting for children will be available.

A musical show is scheduled at 2 pm in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, where the parade will begin at 2 pm, before moving to via de’ Banchi, via Barbadori, via de’ Rondinelli, via Tornabuoni, lungarno degli Acciaioli, por Santa Maria, via Vacchereccia with the grand finale in piazza Signoria, which will feature music and the awarding of prizes for best costume.

Tuscany’s typical Carnival figures — Stenterello, Burlamacco and Ondina — will be depicted to carry forward local, centuries-old tradition.

This year, the Florence Carnival will showcase magnificent costumes from the Misterbianco Carnival (province of Catania) in its parade, bringing Sicily’s beautiful creations to a wider audience.  The Misterbianco Carnival, with its stunning costumes, is one of the oldest and most renowned on the island.  The vibrantly colored costumes, often including handmade lace, are masterpieces requring months of research, design and meticulous crafting.  Some of these works of art weigh over 40 kilograms (88 lbs.).