This year San Gimignano celebrates Carnival over 4 consecutive Sundays. It all kicks off on 25th January, followed by more fun on the 1st, 8th and 15th February 2026. You’ll see beautifully crafted floats, enjoy music, masks and see the Cathedral Square dressed up for this special time!
Once upon a time there was a blue dragon roaming the streets of a Medieval hilltop town… Oh, yes, in Tuscany this actually happens. To be precise, the town is San Gimignano, one of the region’s hotspots for fans of the Middle Ages and the picturesque. And the time is Carnival, the period of the year when everything is possible…
San Gimignano Carnival 2026
If you happen to visit San Gimignano during the Carnival period in February, you’re in for a surprise. The town famous for its iconic towers – known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” has 14 perfectly preserved, and restored, Medieval towers. This makes it a wonderful place to experience the Carnival spirit.
Every year the community goes to great lengths to organise this traditional festival: skilled artisans work to design and create the fantastic floats that are the highlights of the party, and the whole town joins in the party with music pouring from the squares and many people decked out in fancy dress.
When? This year the dates of the Carnival Festival in San Gimignano are as follows: 25th January, 1st – 8th – 15th February 2026. The party starts at 3:30pm. Entrance is free.
Why We Love the San Gimignano Carnival
6 weird and wonderful floats that compete for the best crafted, more creative entry.
Piazza Duomo becomes the special setting for a party that promises music, colour, endless confetti and people attired in fancy dress costumes.
Fun atmosphere, for adults and kids alike, in a friendly environment
See one of Tuscany’s Top Carnival Festivals, take amazing photos in a fascinating Medieval setting
Traditional Carnival sweets are usually sold under the loggia in the Cathedral Square
You get a chance to experience medieval San Gimignano dressed up in Carnival finery!
=> Discover the top Things to do in San Gimignano.
In Italy, Carnival is a joyful season rooted in medieval Christian tradition, marking the period between Epiphany (6th January) and the start of Lent (‘Quaresima’ in Italian). It’s a time of indulgence before the fasting and reflection that characterises Lent. During Carnival people gather to feast, celebrate, and enjoy life’s pleasures. With colorful masks, playful disguises, and festive spirit, Italian Carnival blends fun and community into a celebration full of fun and wonder. All over Italy towns and cities organise Carnival Festivals that have their own special characteristics, the most famous being Venice and Viareggio Carnival.
Practical Tips for Visiting San Gimignano in February
We usually arrive in San Gimignano in the morning, before the crowds. This way you can be sure to find a spot in one of the parking areas that are just outside the historic centre (you cannot drive inside the walls!). You can grab a bite to eat and, of course, try the Award-winning gelato at Gelateria Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna, before the festival starts.
* See our Complete Guide to Where to park in San Gimignano.
Visiting San Gimignano in Winter has a lot to recommend it. For starters there are less tourists around, things are cheaper and theres more choice of accommodation. But for us the best thing is that you get to experience this wonderful town at a time of year when there are fewer people around. You can mix with the locals and appreciate their welcoming spirit.
For us joining in the Carnival festival is a way to experience San Gimignano in a more authentic way. See you there!
Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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