Italy’s oldest carnival returns: Foiano della Chiana
LIGHT MODE
DARK MODE
Get 1 year from 27.50 €

Digital and paper subscriptions available worldwide

Subscribe now

Italy’s oldest carnival returns: Foiano della Chiana

The Foiano della Chiana carnival season returns with fun and entertainment in its 484th edition.

bookmark
Wed 08 Feb 2023 11:32 AM

Foiano della Chiana lays claim to having the oldest carnival in Italy—and it’s back post-pandemic from February 4 to March 5.

Foiano della Chiana Carnival
Foiano della Chiana Carnival
Past editions of the Carnevale di Foiano della Chiana

The village nestled in the Arezzo countryside is gearing up to parade four allegorical floats and gigantic papier-mâché figures for five consecutive Sundays this carnival season. Now incredibly in its 484th edition, adults and children are set to go wild at the return of festivities, which will include music, art and plenty of food.

“We can’t wait to celebrate the carnival season again after stopping during the pandemic and then our 2022 summer edition,” explains Massimo Di Chiara, president of the Foiano della Chiana carnival committee. “The plan is not only to take back the more appropriate season for these pagan celebrations, but to return to the carnival that we all know and want with plenty of side events that begin every Saturday and, obviously, with the huge papier-mâché parades.”

Foiano della Chiana Carnival
Foiano della Chiana Carnival

Highlights include Tuscan street food and cooking shows focusing on carnival treats, as well as a play about the history of Foiano and its carnival written by locals Enzo Ferraro, Riccardo Bernini and Marcello Bernardini. Family fun is guaranteed with fancy dress parades, fun fairs and free workshops for kids.

Carnival is a year in the making for the four historic neighbourhoods, Azzurri, Bombolo, Nottambuli and Rustici, whose papier-mâché experts and mechanics work tirelessly on the allegories and satire presented in artistic form along the village streets.

Related articles

THINGS TO DO

Camellia garden opens for the first time in the Boboli Gardens

Antique plants, water features and frescoes await visitors.

THINGS TO DO

Spice up your spring look with the help of Florence’s creatives

Jazz up your spring wardrobe with a splash of originality from Florence's creatives.

THINGS TO DO

A Florentine rooftop for special occasions

Organize an unforgettable event on a rooftop with sublime views of Florence.

LIGHT MODE
DARK MODE