Stenterello, the Historic Mask of the Florentine Carnival

Carnival time means time for masks.

If Naples can boast Pulcinella from the early decades of the 17th century, with much older origins, and Arlecchino arrived from Bergamo and was later embraced by Venice in the second half of the 16th century, Florence, on the other hand, did not have its own traditional mask until the late 18th century.

The slender and frail figure of a young man who “barely” grew up, Stenterello, was created towards the end of the 18th century by the Florentine actor Luigi del Buono. He was inspired by the features of a beggar he often encountered near a tabernacle on Via della Scala. However, for his sharp and refined language, quick wit, and rebellious behavior—often serving as a clever critique of the authorities—Stenterello was also inspired by Del Buono’s barber’s assistant, a true Florentine not only in dialect but also in his cunning and sharp humor.

Stenterello’s costume is just as colorful: a black tricorn hat, a white wig with an upturned ponytail, a blue jacket over a bright-colored undercoat, a canary yellow waistcoat, and short black breeches. He wears one red stocking and one with a pattern, along with low-buckled shoes.

Studies based on oral tradition and the Commedia dell’Arte have confirmed that Stenterello is the only traditional mask from Florence, cementing its role in the city’s cultural and theatrical heritage.

Over the centuries, as Stenterello transitioned from Commedia dell’Arte performances to more popular theatrical representations, his presence became even more rooted in Florence’s historical memory. Today, the mask continues to appear in events and celebrations related to the Florentine Carnival.