Carnival is an event celebrated all over the world that sees people let loose before going into Lent, in anticipation of Easter. These colourful, joyous and, often, wild, events are famous, particularly New Orleans' Mardi Gras, Rio's Carnival, and Venice's Carnevale. However, while Tuscany may not be as famous for this event, her iterations are many and wonderful. If you're looking for a party come next March (Shrove Tuesday is on the 5th of March in 2019), then why not find a luxury villa in Tuscany and check one or some of these local Carnevale festivals out?
1. Foiano della Chiana
Foiano della Chiana, located in the province of Arezzo, south of the city, is actually home to the oldest Carnevale event in Italy, which has been celebrated in the town since 1539. Each year, the four quarters of Foiano each decorate and arrange events according to an overall theme and compete to be crowned the best of the festival. The whole town comes alive with colourful floats and costumes and is, at this stage, well-versed in how to throw a party.
2. Viareggio
The Carnevale in Viareggio is another of the most famous versions in Italy and is the second biggest in Italy after the Venetian celebrations. Come to the seaside resort town, admire the incredible floats and join around one million other people in having a good time.
3. Bibbiena
Bibbiena's festival has roots in earlier celebrations that go back as far as 1350, when the town was ruled by the Tarlati family and the two competing factions in Bibbiena continue to gather to vindicate the legendary Miss Mea – a young woman who was caught between two loves - with songs and dancing in Medieval costumes.
4. San Gimignano
San Gimignano celebrates Carnevale with floats, live music, groups competing with handmade masks and performances. One of the most colourful and family-friendly events, it is a frenzy of fun activities.
There are many more events to choose from so, in order to find the right one for you, read on to the following post for more Carnevale festivals that you can attend in Tuscany.
Foiano della Chiana, located in the province of Arezzo, south of the city, is actually home to the oldest Carnevale event in Italy, which has been celebrated in the town since 1539. Each year, the four quarters of Foiano each decorate and arrange events according to an overall theme and compete to be crowned the best of the festival. The whole town comes alive with colourful floats and costumes and is, at this stage, well-versed in how to throw a party.
2. Viareggio
The Carnevale in Viareggio is another of the most famous versions in Italy and is the second biggest in Italy after the Venetian celebrations. Come to the seaside resort town, admire the incredible floats and join around one million other people in having a good time.
3. Bibbiena
Bibbiena's festival has roots in earlier celebrations that go back as far as 1350, when the town was ruled by the Tarlati family and the two competing factions in Bibbiena continue to gather to vindicate the legendary Miss Mea – a young woman who was caught between two loves - with songs and dancing in Medieval costumes.
4. San Gimignano
San Gimignano celebrates Carnevale with floats, live music, groups competing with handmade masks and performances. One of the most colourful and family-friendly events, it is a frenzy of fun activities.
There are many more events to choose from so, in order to find the right one for you, read on to the following post for more Carnevale festivals that you can attend in Tuscany.
