A Florence Carnival Just for Kids, 2026 Edition

Sat. 14: CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL. Piazza Ognissanti. 2 – 6 pm. Free  admission. 

Piazza Ognissanti will be transformed into a large open-air stage for the 21st edition of the Children’s Carnival. Children and parents alike, wearing costumes or masks, are invited to spend  a carefree afternoon enjoying entertainment and games. 

Sweets like cotton candy, peanut brittle, and brigidini (aniseed-flavored wafers), will be available for purchase. An electric train will take passengers on a scenic tour of nearby Lungarno Vespucci. 

Families can listen the interesting tale of a local, historic carnival character, Stenterello, which originated in this neighborhood, To wrap up the evening, guests will gather for a Florentine tradition: the burning of a Stenterello mannequin with the Arno River as a backdrop. The bonfire represents the end of Carnival festivities and the imminent arrival of Lent. 

There will also be a stand with representatives from Caritas, a local organization that runs a meal center for the homeless and low income people. A special guest will be the Lailac Japanese association, which will present traditional music and folk dances from the Land of the Rising Sun.

A 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station, Piazza Ognissanti is located near the Ponte Amerigo Vespucci. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled.