Florence Carnival 2026: Unmissable Dates and Events

Carnival in Florence has always been a great opportunity for residents of the Tuscan capital and tourists alike.

Carnival 2026 will culminate on February 17th, Fat Tuesday.

But throughout the entire period, we will have the opportunity to watch parades and participate in various events organized throughout the city.

Here are the Carnival 2026 dates to remember:

Sunday, February 1, 2026: start of the Carnival season;
Thursday, February 12, 2026: Fat Thursday;
Sunday, February 15, 2026: Carnival Sunday;
Tuesday, February 17, 2026: Fat Tuesday;
Wednesday, February 18, 2026: Ash Wednesday.

Here are the most important events of the Florence Carnival:

Florence Carnival Grand Ball “Queens at the Palace”: This elegant evening will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in the Salone dei Cinquecento of Palazzo Vecchio. It is a tribute to local history, designed to celebrate the ancient tradition of masked balls typical of the Renaissance period.
Florence Carnival Grand Parade in the historic center: The traditional parade with allegorical floats, masks, folk groups, and music will begin in Piazza Santa Maria Novella and end in Piazza della Signoria.
Carnival Concert: This will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, starting at 9:00 PM at the Teatro Verdi. The concert will be performed by the Orchestra della Toscana, conducted by Maestro Roberto Molinelli. The 2026 concert is “Carnival Reloaded – The Art of Disguise in Music,” featuring music by Verdi, Paganini, Molinelli, Vivaldi, and Piazzolla.

Alongside the traditional events, there are numerous side events organized by organizations and associations in various neighborhoods throughout the city throughout the Carnival period.

These events, designed for adults and children, vary from year to year and include parades, games, music, shows, and entertainment.

The Ancient Tuscan Tradition of Carnival

The Carnival of Florence doesn’t have the same aura as those of Viareggio, Venice, or Putignano. But it enchants with the elegance of its masquerade events and its historic traditions.

Particularly heartfelt since ancient times, Carnival reached its peak during the 15th century, thanks to the intervention of Lorenzo the Magnificent.

He actively participated in the festivities and organization, also promoting traveling theatrical performances along the streets.

Masked parties and balls in theaters and locations such as Piazza Santa Croce continued even during the period of the Grand Duchy of Lorraine.

It was precisely during this period (18th-19th centuries) that Stenterello, the mask of the Carnival of Florence, was born.

Created by playwright Luigi Del Buono, it represents a poor, thin man, but gifted with a kind heart, fluent speech, and a typically Tuscan wit. He is cowardly, yet willing to side with the weak.

His clothes are colorful and eccentric, featuring vests, jackets, knee-length trousers, mismatched socks, and a tricorne hat with an upturned tail.

Tradition is not only linked to celebrations, events, and masks, but also to food and dishes.

The Florence Carnival at the table means:

Cenci: also known as chiacchiere or frappe in other parts of Italy, these are thin, crispy pastries, fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar;
Frittelle: usually made with semolina or rice, fried and topped with sugar;
Roventini or Migliacci: crepes made with chestnut flour and, in the past, also with pig’s blood.

Official Carnival Program 2026: Dates and Times

The Florence Carnival includes a series of precise and well-defined events, authentic rituals that are renewed year after year.

Not all the celebrations for the 2026 edition of the Florence Carnival have yet been announced.

However, the program already includes some events:

Saturday, January 31st:
- Gala dinner in the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio;
- After-party and Grand Carnival Ball in the Sala delle Armi in Palazzo Vecchio starting at 10:30 pm;

Sunday, February 1st: Grand Carnival parade in the historic center, meeting at 2:00 pm in Piazza Santa Maria Novella and departing at 3:30 pm, passing through Via de’ Banchi, Via Barbadori, Via de’ Rondinelli, Via Tornabuoni, Lungarno degli Acciaioli, Por Santa Maria, Via Vacchereccia, and Piazza della Signoria.

Tuesday, February 17th: On Shrove Tuesday, the 2026 Carnival Concert will be held at the Teatro Verdi, performed by the Orchestra della Toscana, starting at 9:00 pm.

Florence Carnival Venues

The distinctive Florence Carnival celebrations involve numerous locations throughout the city:

Palazzo Vecchio: home of the Grand Carnival Ball “Queens at the Palace”;
Piazza Santa Maria Novella: meeting point and departure point for the Grand Carnival Parade;
Piazza della Signoria: arrival point for the Grand Carnival Parade;
City Center Streets: the parade passes through strategic areas of the city, such as Via de’ Banchi, Via Barbadori, and Via Vacchereccia;
Garden of Villa Arrivabene: home of the Carnival Festival;
Enzo Pazzagli Art Park: home of the Eco-Renaissance Carnival;
Nave a Rovezzano: home of the Carnival parade;
Piazza dell’Isolotto and Villa Vogel Park: home of the “Carnevale di Pace” (Carnival of Peace);
Viale dei Bambini: this is where the Mardi Gras festival takes place;
Piazza I Maggio: home of the Carnival of the Villages.

Where to Stay and Eat During Carnival

To fully experience Carnival in Florence, it’s important to find the best places to stay and eat.

Here’s a list of hotels for Carnival in Florence:

Hotel Botticelli: A historic hotel with Renaissance charm. This 4-star hotel is strategically located in the center of Florence, on Via Taddea in the San Lorenzo neighborhood. It’s close to all the venues hosting the Florentine Carnival events.
Hotel NH Firenze: A 4-star hotel with a panoramic pool, rooms, and suites. Located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, near the Cascine Park.
Hotel Grifone Firenze: A 4-star hotel with rooms, suites, and a fitness center. Located on Via Gaetano Pilati, it’s well-connected to the city center.
Italiana Hotels: A 4-star hotel, perfect for those seeking a different option, away from the chaos of the city center. Located on Viale Europa.
Agriturismo Fattoria Il Milione Firenze: Located outside the city center but ideal for families. Surrounded by greenery and offering many amenities for those traveling with children and teenagers.

The best restaurants in Florence for Carnival:

Trattoria Zà Zà: in Piazza del Mercato Centrale, you’ll find a symbol of Florentine culinary tradition, offering a variety of typical Tuscan dishes;
Trattoria Mario: at Via Rosina 2r, still near the Mercato Centrale, is one of the most beloved places for authentic Florentine steak;
Buca Mario: on Via della Vigna Nuova, you’ll find a classic Florentine tavern (a cellar beneath the buildings), with a refined atmosphere and traditional cuisine;
Osteria del Giglio: excellent value and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Located at Via del Giglio 59r;
Osteria del Corso: at Via del Corso 36r, you’ll find a restaurant that pays homage to traditional Tuscan cuisine with a touch of innovation.