Foiano della Chiana Carnival
Italy, Foiano della Chiana
Discover the magic of Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025, Italy’s oldest carnival with stunning floats, lively parades, and rich Tuscan traditions. Join the fun in this unforgettable celebration!
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LOCATION
Italy, Foiano della Chiana

DATE
Feb 2 - March 3, 2025

HOTEL & FLIGHT
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Your Complete Guide to Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025
The Foiano della Chiana Carnival is one of the oldest carnivals in Italy, offering a rich tradition of craftsmanship and community spirit. Located in the charming town of Foiano della Chiana in Tuscany, this historic event is known for its stunning papier-mâché floats, friendly competition between neighborhoods, and festive atmosphere. The Foiano Carnival dates back to the 16th century, making it one of the longest-running carnivals in Europe.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025, from the key dates and events to tips for making the most of your visit.
When is the Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025?
The Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025 will take place on Sundays between February 2 and March 3, 2025, following the traditional Italian carnival schedule. The main parades occur over five weekends, with each Sunday featuring elaborate Corsi Mascherati (masked parades), during which different neighborhoods (Contrade) compete with their grand floats.
- Sunday, February 2, 2025: Opening Parade
- Sunday, February 9, 2025: Second Parade
- Sunday, February 16, 2025: Third Parade
- Sunday, February 23, 2025: Fourth Parade
- Sunday, March 3, 2025: Final Parade and Winner Announcement
Table of Contents
What is the Foiano della Chiana Carnival?
The Foiano Carnival is a beloved event in the Tuscan town of Foiano della Chiana, where the local community comes together to celebrate creativity, tradition, and friendly competition. The carnival is best known for its stunning papier-mâché floats, created by the town’s four competing neighborhoods, or Contrade: Azzurri, Rustici, Bombolo, and Nottambuli. These floats often reflect satirical or mythological themes and take nearly a year to design and construct.
This celebration is rooted in both Renaissance traditions and the carnival’s long history. The event lasts several weeks, with each weekend parade offering a spectacle of creativity, elaborate costumes, and music.




What Makes the Foiano della Chiana Carnival Unique?
The Foiano Carnival stands out from other Italian carnivals for several reasons:
- Oldest Carnival in Italy: First documented in the 16th century, Foiano’s carnival is the oldest in Italy, offering visitors a deep connection to historical traditions.
- Float Competitions: Unlike other carnivals where parades are purely for entertainment, the Foiano Carnival features intense competition between the town’s four Contrade. Each neighborhood puts its heart into creating floats that represent satirical, mythical, or artistic themes.
- Community Involvement: The entire town comes together to celebrate, and the floats are a labor of love for each Contrade. The competition among them is fierce but friendly, making the carnival a truly communal event.
- Smaller, More Intimate Setting: While larger carnivals like Venice and Viareggio attract international tourists, Foiano della Chiana Carnival is a more intimate experience, offering an authentic Italian cultural experience without massive crowds.
Where is the Foiano della Chiana Carnival Held?
The carnival is held in the small town of Foiano della Chiana, located in the heart of Tuscany. This picturesque town, with its medieval architecture and surrounding countryside, provides a charming backdrop for the carnival festivities. The carnival events take place in the town’s central streets, squares, and piazzas, with the grand parade routes running through Piazza Garibaldi and other key areas.
- Parade Route: The floats make their way through the town’s main square and streets, where spectators line up to watch the spectacular creations.
Foiano della Chiana is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Arezzo, Florence, and Siena, making it an excellent day trip for those exploring Tuscany.


How Do You Get to Foiano della Chiana?
Foiano della Chiana is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy to reach from major Italian cities:
- By Car: Located along the A1 Autostrada, Foiano is about an hour’s drive from Florence and 30 minutes from Arezzo. There is ample parking around the town for visitors.
- By Train: The closest train station is Camucia-Cortona, just 15 minutes away by taxi or bus. Trains from Florence, Rome, and Siena all stop at nearby stations.
- By Plane: The nearest airports are Florence Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport, both of which offer easy connections to Tuscany.
Once in Foiano, the town is small enough to explore on foot, allowing you to easily access all carnival events.
What to Expect at the Foiano della Chiana Carnival Parades?
The highlight of the Foiano Carnival is the Corsi Mascherati—the spectacular parades that take place every Sunday. Here’s what you can expect:
- Gigantic Floats: Each Contrada presents a stunning papier-mâché float, often towering over the crowds. These floats take almost a year to build and are elaborately decorated to reflect the carnival’s annual theme.
- Themed Costumes: Alongside the floats, hundreds of participants dressed in themed costumes march, dance, and perform throughout the parade.
- Music and Entertainment: Each float is accompanied by live music, including traditional Italian carnival tunes and contemporary beats. Street performers, drummers, and dancers keep the energy high throughout the event.
- Winner Announcement: At the end of the carnival, an award ceremony is held to crown the best float and Contrada, making the competition even more intense and exciting.
Key Events During Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025
While the parades are the main draw, there are several other events and activities during the Foiano Carnival:
- Opening Ceremony (February 2, 2025): The first parade kicks off with a festive opening ceremony, including music and fireworks.
- Float Viewing at the Cittadella del Carnevale: Visitors can tour the Cittadella del Carnevale, where the floats are designed and built, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process.
- Children’s Carnival: Special events for children are held throughout the carnival season, including costume contests and workshops where kids can create their own masks.
- Food Festivals: Sample traditional Tuscan cuisine and carnival treats at various food stalls and restaurants around town. Don’t miss local specialties like crostini, pici pasta, and carnival sweets like chiacchiere.
- Closing Ceremony and Award Announcement (March 3, 2025): The carnival concludes with the final parade, followed by the announcement of the winning Contrada and a grand fireworks display.
What Should You Wear to the Foiano della Chiana Carnival?
Dressing up is part of the fun at the Foiano Carnival, though it’s not required. Many visitors choose to wear colorful costumes, masks, or traditional carnival attire to get into the spirit of the celebration. Here are some tips:
- Costumes: You can bring your own costume or purchase one from local shops in Foiano. Traditional Italian masks and carnival-themed outfits are popular choices.
- Comfortable Shoes: The carnival parades take place on the streets, and you’ll be standing or walking for long periods, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: February and early March in Tuscany can be chilly, especially in the evenings, so bring layers and a warm jacket.
Where to Stay During Foiano della Chiana Carnival?
Foiano della Chiana offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from charming Tuscan farmhouses to comfortable hotels and B&Bs. Since the town is small, it’s best to book your stay early to ensure availability during the carnival season.
- Luxury Options: Stay in a historic villa or countryside estate such as Relais Villa Petrischio or Villa Borgo Syrah, which offer luxury accommodations just outside the town.
- Mid-Range Options: Hotel Forum Foiano and La Spiga d’Oro are great choices for those looking for comfort and proximity to the carnival events.
- Budget-Friendly: Several agriturismos (farm stays) and small B&Bs offer affordable options while still providing a cozy, authentic Tuscan experience.
Is Foiano della Chiana Carnival Family-Friendly?
Yes, the Foiano Carnival is very family-friendly, with events and activities designed for all ages. Children will enjoy the colorful parades, music, and costumes, and there are special activities and workshops just for kids.
- Children’s Carnival: Every Sunday, there are events tailored to young carnival-goers, including costume contests, mask-making workshops, and kid-friendly parades.
- Safe Environment: The town of Foiano is small, and the carnival has a welcoming, communal atmosphere, making it safe for families to enjoy the festivities.
What Else Can You Do in Foiano della Chiana During the Carnival?
While the carnival is the main event, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Foiano della Chiana and the surrounding Tuscany region:
- Explore Foiano’s Historic Center: Take a stroll through the town’s medieval streets, visit the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, and admire the charming architecture.
- Visit Nearby Tuscan Towns: Foiano is located near several other beautiful Tuscan towns, including Cortona, Montepulciano, and Arezzo, all of which are worth a day trip.
- Wine Tasting and Tuscan Cuisine: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal at one of Foiano’s local trattorias, or take a short drive to the nearby Chianti region for a wine-tasting tour.



Top Tips for Enjoying Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025
- Book Accommodation Early: Foiano is a small town, so lodging options fill up quickly. Reserve your stay well in advance to secure the best spots.
- Arrive Early for Parades: Get to the parade route early to grab a good viewing spot, especially for the grand final parade.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear layers and comfortable shoes as February can be chilly, and you’ll be walking or standing during the parades.
- Join the Fun with Costumes: While not required, dressing up in festive carnival costumes will enhance your experience and make you feel part of the celebration.
- Try Local Tuscan Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to savor traditional Tuscan dishes and carnival treats available at food stalls and local restaurants.
- Visit the Cittadella del Carnevale: Tour the float construction site to see how these amazing creations are made and learn more about the history behind them.
- Bring the Family: The carnival is family-friendly, with special events for kids, including workshops and costume contests.
- Explore Nearby Towns: Take a day trip to nearby towns like Cortona or Montepulciano for more Tuscan charm.
- Use Public Transport: If staying outside Foiano, consider using public transport to avoid parking challenges during the carnival.
- Stay Hydrated and Snack Often: Enjoy the carnival food, but also bring water to keep hydrated during the busy parade days.
Conclusion
The Foiano della Chiana Carnival 2025 offers a unique blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. With its stunning papier-mâché floats, lively parades, and friendly competition between neighborhoods, this historic carnival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Tuscany in February and March. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate craftsmanship of the floats, the festive atmosphere, or the rich history of the event, Foiano Carnival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.
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