The Return of the Florence Children’s Carnival

 

Sat. 18: CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL. Piazza Ognissanti. 2 – 6 pm. Free admission.

Children and parents alike, in costumes or masks, can spend a carefree afternoon enjoying entertainment and games.

Fun activities, such as papier-mâché crafts, games, and face painting will be provided throughout the carnival.

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 Lungarno Vespucci.

Families can listen the interesting tale of a traditional Florentine carnival character, Stenterello. To wrap up the evening, guests will gather for a Florentine tradition: the burning of a Stenterello mannequin in view of the Arno River. The bonfire represents the end of Carnival festivities and the imminent arrival of Lent, on Wednesday, February 22.

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