Foiano Della Chiana - Foiano Carnival

Foiano Carnival

The oldest carnival in Italy started in Foiano in 1539. This carnival takes all year to prepare for, and it’s as important to Foiano as the Palio is to Siena. The four districts of the town: Bombolo, Azzurri, Rustici, and Nottambuli were formed during the fascist era and to this day, compete for the victory of the best float. Initially, the floats were town carriages and carri matti where lupine, chestnuts and salt cod would be thrown out to the crowd as a treat. The floats are now made of papier-mâché and they have allegorical or political themes, sometimes featuring political events and people, films, and popular culture. The festival is derived from medieval propitiatory rituals meant to appease the townspeople and create a joyous atmosphere to bring in the new year. An effigy of Giocondo, King of the Carnival is made from straw and rags, and is burned in the main square as a form of collective purification for the people of Foiano. Before the burning, a testament of the year’s events is read aloud like an epilogue for the past year and a prologue to the new starting year.