The first day of Carnival, known all around Italy as “fat thursday” is called in Florence “berlingaccio”, from an old word describing a day spent around the table eating, drinking and being happy. This rite finds his roots in the Medicean era, and Cosimo I also wrote some poems about those merry days. Usually in Carnival time, the Florentines eat the “berlingozzo”, a simple ring-shaped cake usually home-baked, made from eggs, sugar, lemon, flour and baking powder.

Talking about Carnival in Florence, we can’t forget “Stenterello”, a  typical mask character created in the eighteenth century by Luigi del Buono.

On Sunday 22nd, the “Florence Carnival in the world” will take place: a mask parade which crosses the city from Piazza Ognissanti to Piazza della Signoria, with the participation of 36 foreign countries from all over the world…and then the delicious “Cenci” and confetti colouring the whole town! A wonderful way to get ready for Spring.