Masks & Fire: Florence’s Children’s Carnival 2025

 

Stenterello, Florence’s historical Florentine figure

Saturday, March 1: FLORENCE CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL, Piazza Ognissanti. 2 – 6 pm.

Children and parents alike, wearing costumes or masks, are invited to spend a carefree afternoon enjoying entertainment and games

Piazza Ognissanti will be transformed into a large open-air stage for the 20th edition of the Children’s Carnival. Children and parents alike are invited to the event, which will offer an afternoon of games, animations, and breathtaking spectacles sure to fascinate all in attendance.  

Kids can get face painting done by professional artists, have fun with circus games and workshops organised by the Circus Gang, jump on inflatables, while also indulging in typical carnival sweets in addition to cotton candy. Sweets like cotton candy, peanut brittle, and brigidini (aniseed-flavored wafers), will be available for purchase. An electric train will take passengers on a scenic tour of nearby Lungarno Vespucci.

The afternoon will open with entertainment by Ivan and Francesca, followed by a showcase of Japanese culture by the Lailac Foundation, which will feature traditional dances performed by Hiromi Sazaki in kimono (traditional Japanese clothing).  Magicians will also take the stage.

The Piccolo Coro Melograno children’s choir will continue the afternoon with a repertoire of popular carnival songs, preparing the atmosphere for the arrival of Stenterello, a historical Florentine figure created in the Borgo Ognissanti district who will come back to life thanks to actor Alessandro Calonaci. 

At dusk, Duo Ariadna will take centre stage with an extravagant flame throwing performance, and the evening will end with the burning of the papier-mâché Stenterello created by the artists of the Art Gallery Studio IGuarnieri in homage to the Florentine carnival tradition, as well as symbolising the beginning of Lent.

As every year, the Carnival continues to support causes close to people’s hearts; this edition will feature the presence of the Tuscan Cancer Association (ATT) members in the square. They will have an information and fund-raising stand to support cancer patients and their families.

In case of rain, the event will be cancelled. (Mina Lozanova)