Parades and Carnival Traditions Across the Florence Area

Discover the mask of Stenterello, medieval carnivals, and delicious frittelle!

The Origins of the Florence Carnival

Its roots go back to the Middle Ages, when for a few days social barriers softened and the common people were allowed to celebrate freely before Lent. The festivities took place on floats called trionfi, built from wood and jute. During the Renaissance, the Florence Carnival became a lavish spectacle of parties, masked balls, and processions. A landmark contribution came from Lorenzo de’ Medici, who around 1490 composed the famous carnival song Il Trionfo di Bacco e Arianna:

"Chi vuol esser lieto, sia: di doman non c’è certezza"
("Let those who wish to be happy, be so: for tomorrow is uncertain").

In the 18th century, under the rule of the Lorraine family, the tradition continued with carriage parades, evening balls and theater events – starting with the Teatro della Pergola – and grand masked gatherings in Piazza Santa Croce.

The Mask of Stenterello

At the end of the 18th century, at the Teatro del Cocomero, the character of Stenterello was created by the Florentine actor Luigi Del Buono, destined to become the iconic mask of the Florence Carnival. His most distinctive feature is his wide smile, reflecting his cheerful and playful nature. Extremely thin from hardship and often depicted wearing a pointed, conical hat, Stenterello embodies the common man who always manages to get by, wittily criticizing those in power: the perfect portrait of a Florentine of his time!

The Florence Carnival Today

Today, the Florence Carnival is a lively and colorful event open to all – children, adults, locals, and visitors – as the city fills with vibrant costumes and colors. The Florence Carnival Parade will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM, gathering in Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The parade will wind through the streets of the city center and conclude in Piazza della Signoria.

Frittelle and Other Carnival Sweets in the Florence Area

The most popular treats are cenci– as we call them locally – also known as frappe or chiacchiere: thin strips of fried dough, crisp and light, dusted with powdered sugar. During Carnival, in February and March, they can be found easily in all pastry shops. Alongside them are the rice frittelle (fritters) with milk and lemon or orange zest, a true symbol of the Florentine Carnival. The most famous and unmissable are those from the villages of San Donato in Collina (festival from January 17 to March 29, 2026) and Montefioralle (March 19–22, 2026).

Also appearing on festive tables is the iconic Schiacciata alla Fiorentina, a soft rectangular cake flavored with saffron in the dough and dusted with powdered sugar, often decorated with the Florentine lily. Equally essential are bomboloni, soft, fried doughnuts generously filled with cream or chocolate.

Carnival All Around Florence

Around Florence, Carnival is celebrated in diverse and spectacular ways, combining popular tradition with historical reenactments. Rooted in history and the Middle Ages are the carnivals of Calenzano Alto and San Casciano Val di Pesa, where town squares transform into medieval scenes, with costumed parades, tournaments, and performances that transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse of the oldest and most evocative Florentine carnival traditions.

In San Mauro a Signa, Rufina and Montebonello, Dicomano, and Borgo San Lorenzo (the Mugello Carnival is celebrating its 312th edition!), the streets come alive with parades and floats, filled with music, color, and confetti, engaging children and adults alike in lively celebrations.