THE 485th CARNIVAL FOR FOIANO DELLA CHIANA
The small town of Foiano della Chiana (Arezzo, Tuscany) launches its 485th Carnevale celebrations on the 28th January 2024 with the traditional parade of colossal floats wending their laborious way down the narrow medieval streets of the historic centre.
Foiano, in fact, claims to have the oldest pre-Lenten Carnival in Italy, on document since 1539. This year's theme is “Fantasy” and the four competing float creators will focus on fairytale themes and traditional Disney film characters. The winner will be announced by Re Giocondo (King of Merriment) at the concluding event on the 25th February which heralds in Lent and the end of all the fun. The 9000 inhabitants of the town all pitch in to help with the construction of the gigantic papier mache figures and Foiano, in fact, has a special school that teaches local children the art in order to carry on the long tradition. The floats will be paraded through the town every Sunday throughout February, accompanied by street entertainers, music, games, tricks and fireworks displays.
The little town of Foiano has an illustrious past dating back to the times of the Medici takeover. Its Town Hall dates from the 14th century and its churches are graced with works by prestigious artists of the renaissance period like Signorelli, Andrea della Robbia, Pomarancio and .Circignani.
Carnival Sundays: 28th Jan., 4th ,11th 18th 25th February 2024
Info: Tel. +39.0575.642100/+39.3395981439 www.carnevaledifoiano.it