Municipality of Castiglion Fibocchi
Piazza Municipio, 1 - 52029 Castiglion Fibocchi (AR)
Tel: +39 0575 1686
Fax: 0575 47516
E-mail: segreteria@comune.castiglionfibocchi.ar.it
PEC: c.castiglionfibocchi@postacert.toscana.it
Tax Code and VAT 00284440518
THE CARNIVAL OF FIGLI DI BOCCO
The Carnival of Figli di Bocco
In the heart of Tuscany, where golden hills embrace ancient villages that still echo with medieval whispers, there is a place where time bends once a year to the enchantment of wonder: Castiglion Fibocchi, home to the Carnevale dei Figli di Bocco (Carnival of the Sons of Bocco).
The origins of this unique carnival date back to the 12th century.
The first known record is from February 1113, when Berta di Ardimanno, betrothed to the nobleman Guglielmo di Bernardino of the Valdarno, was forced to move her wedding forward. The reason? Grand celebrations were being held in the “castle of the sons of Bocco,” located in the Aretine part of the Valdarno, for the “Carnevale dei Figli di Bocco.” It was a time outside of time — a moment when peasants and nobles came together as equals, celebrating life before the solemn quiet of Lent. The tradition speaks of great feasts, laughter, and liberty, where all social distinctions melted like snow in the sun.
A second document dated May 2, 1174, refers to a lively “Carnival feast” in “Castellione de filiis Bocchi,” where again nobles and peasants celebrated side by side, erasing social boundaries in a spirit of joy and equality.
Although the tradition was interrupted in the 14th century, it was revived in the 18th century, gradually enriched with anecdotes, pranks, and popular rituals. One of the most unique customs emerged in the early 1900s: the pastasciutta tradition, still practiced today. On the final day of Carnival, pasta was cooked in large cauldrons — the same used by farmers for animal feed — and served freely to the community, turning a simple meal into a symbolic moment of shared joy.
Interrupted, revived, and transformed over the centuries, the Carnival has never stopped beating at the heart of Castiglion Fibocchi’s identity.
The modern rebirth of the Carnival began on February 2, 1997, when a group of local seamstresses, inspired by the magnificence of Venetian masks seen during a trip to Venice, decided to create similar costumes. Their work was an instant success. Since then, every February, the village comes to life with over 200 costumed performers — some from other cities — parading through the streets in sumptuous handmade garments crafted with passion and extraordinary skill by local artisans.
These true works of art are so admired that many reserve them months in advance for the chance to wear one.
The Carnival traditionally takes place on the two Sundays preceding Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), usually in February, though dates vary each year.
The Carnevale dei Figli di Bocco is an event for all ages — a refined and immersive experience, far from the noisy and chaotic carnivals elsewhere. Children are mesmerized by the masks, while adults appreciate the elegance and intricate detail.
But this Carnival is more than a celebration: it is a journey through time, a tribute to creativity and local identity, an invitation to rediscover — behind each mask — the simple wonder of life.
The masks of the Carnevale dei Figli di Bocco have gained international recognition, appearing at prestigious cultural events in Italy and abroad, and earning numerous awards.
The cultural significance of the festival has been officially recognized with the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In 2014, the Carnival received a special honor: the Medal of the President of the Italian Republic.
For more information, visit the official website: www.carnevaledeifiglidiBocco.it.
Or contact the Tourist Office of the Municipality of Castiglion Fibocchi.
