Among the events not to be missed in February in Italy, the Follonica Carnival, with its allegorical floats, brighten up Tuscan’s winter.
Follonica’s carnival has a modern outlook
One of the most important events in Tuscany on 1, 8, 15, and 21 February, the carnival transforms the Maremma town from a summery seaside destination into an open-air stage, with parades of large allegorical floats, music, and performances. Unlike many Italian carnivals of medieval origin, Follonica’s event was conceived as a modern expression that recounts today’s society, and invites reflection on what it will be like tomorrow. Satire, topical issues and contemporary language are the central elements of an event that boasts over a century of history. The origins date back to the early 20th century, and it became a regular event in the 1950s and 1960s, establishing itself today as an event with strong appeal that combines local traditions, craftsmanship and entertainment.
The eight city districts compete in the event
The carnival’s theme is the rivalry and collaboration between its eight city districts. The themes range from international political satire to reflections on artificial intelligence, from the telling of fantasy worlds to social messages. Families and local artists are all involved in the creation of the float decorations, the animated masks, the choice of music and the choreography. This year MeQ, Follonica's Quality Market, will be open for lunch on the three Sundays of the parade on 2, 9 and 16 February. The novelty is that inside the Municipal Market it will be possible to taste carnival on a plate, from sweet to savoury, both on site and take-away.
