The Carnival in Foiano

The oldest in Italy

Carnival events are held every year in the city of Foiano and is one of the most famous carnivals in Italy and the oldest having been started in 1539.

For 5 Sundays the city of Foiano hosts street parades and becomes a theatre to celebrate the patron of carnival, King Giocando.

The origins of the carnival festival are derived from the medieval propitiatory rituals meant to appease the townspeople and create a joyous atmosphere to bring in the new year.

Foiano is subdivided into 4 districts (Azzurri, Bombolo, Nottambuli and Rustici) and each area makes a float with preparations taking all year.

Back in the day, carts would carry lupine, chestnuts and salt cod into the town and then be thrown into the crowd as treats but today, floats are made of paper mache, have political and current affairs themes and mechanical technology to make the floats animated and amazing to view.

Here are some amazing photos from last years carnival

Also an effigy of the Carnival King, Giocondo, is made and burnt in the main square to purify the city and it’s citizens.

Floats are judged and the winning float wins the ‘coppa del carnevale’, the carnival cup

Thanks to Luigi Moretti (more pics on): https://www.instagram.com/luigim133/ and https://www.facebook.com/luigi.moretti/

Team, 10/02/2024 12:56:00

Our Ancient Space

Our Ancient SpaceLea Woods McKnoulty is amongst other pusuits, an Australian writer who with her husband Paul Woods divides her ...[continue]

Chianina & Syrah

Chianina & Syrah 2026, CortonaDo you love Tuscany? Do you enjoy Syrah? Are you a fan of Chianina beef? Are ...[continue]

The Etruscans in the Netherlands

The Etruscans in Holland. 40 years since the Etruscan Project.An exhibition of 150 works, including 10 evocative bronzes from the ...[continue]

Big Tasting Week

BIG TASTING WEEK 17th - 22nd FebruaryThe famous wine shop in Cortona, Molesini, is proud to announce dates and the programme ...[continue]

Buti Horse Race and Pontremoli Bonifire

Buti’s Horse Race and Pontremoli’s BonfiresPalio delle Contrade, ButiThe Buti horse race, or Palio di Buti, is a historic Italian medieval-style equestrian ...[continue]

SOMETHING
TO SHARE ?

Send us your posts, viewpoints
and/or personal experiences
CONTACT US NOW

Search by Author

Local

Tips For Trips

Moments

Useful Info

Profiles

MY CORTONA

OUR BLOG IS INTENDED AS A CENTRAL HUB FOR CORTONA LOVERS WORLD-WIDE, BRINGING YOU USEFUL INFORMATION, PROFILES OF THE MANY INTERESTING PEOPLE WHO LIVE & VISIT THE TOWN, UP-DATES ON LOCAL NEWS, SPECIAL STORIES & UPCOMING EVENTS

Have a story or an anecdote to recount? Someone interesting you’d like to profile? A place you’ve visited that you’d like to recommend? Whether it’s useful, funny or informative, why not share it on My Cortona blog and add your name to our list of regular contributors? We’d love to hear from you.

In a unique collaboration, Cortona International is able to offer its clients, a team of English-speaking estate agents & property managers who provide specialist knowledge in all aspects of buying, managing & selling property to a largely international clientele

PREVIEW

CASALE SOTTOVOCE, a move-in ready farmhouse

Price: €.1.290.000

JUT HOUSE

Price: €.700.000

CASA DELLA ROSA

Price: €.230.000