The small Tuscan town near Arezzo hosts the most antique carnival of Italy. This year it is at its 473th edition. There will be four Sunday of celebration, from the 5th to the 26th of February. During these days the town’s streets will be turned into a theater to celebrate ‘King Giocondo’, the pardon of the event, looking forward the final verdict to welcome the winner between the four groups that build papier-mâché carts.
Four groups from the first Sunday will play show their performances in the small streets of the historic center of Foiano. “Azzurri”, “Bombolo”, “Nottambuli”, “Rustici”: are the names of four factions that for centuries every year compete creating artistic papier-mâché masterpieces, appreciated throughout the world.
The Foiano Carnival is not only a competition between the groups, but also entertainment and a celebration of this important popular festivity. In fact every year there are many collateral activities. Among the main one there are events for children: the Children’s Carnival (free entrance), with games, trains, animation, inflatable castles… and rock concerts. The Gallery Furio del Furia (the exhibition place) will host during the four Sundays the exhibitions “Black and White” of the comedian Arturo Lozzi, (drawer for Lazarus Ledd, Dampyr, Ghost Rider, Dylan Dog, Immortal Weapons) and “Falsi d’Autore” and every Sunday there will many collateral events. The beautiful Sala of Carbonaia will host Alessandro Marone’s personal exhibit. Every Sunday the squares of town will be animated with concerts, performances and different attractions. Moreover, on Saturday and Sunday there will be a food and wine market that will offer tasting of local products. On the 19th of February there will be “Reginetta del Carnevalle” competition, with the election of the Miss who will present the event. For the Mardì Gras, the 21st of February, there will be a big party that begins in afternoon for children and ends at night with a mask ball.
The Foiano Carnival of Chiana, the most antique in Italy. This year it is in its 473 edition. It is considered to be one of the most important events of this type in Italy, both for the spectacular choreography and for its historical tradition. There are four huge allegoric wagons, realized by the real masters of papier-mâché creations. Chief of Carnival is the figure of ‘King Giocondo’ who opens the parade every Sunday.