Viareggio Carnival, carnival party in Viareggio, Italy
The Carnaval of Viareggio is an annual carnival party held along the coast of this Italian town with large, brightly decorated floats in parades. The floats are made mainly of papier-mache, reach 20 to 30 meters tall and over 12 meters wide, displaying scenes of daily life, famous characters, and political themes through satire.
The Carnaval of Viareggio started in 1873 with simple decorated carriages that evolved into large, elaborate floats. Artists and craftspeople developed special techniques to create these structures, transforming what began as a local tradition into an internationally recognized event.
Burlamacco, the carnival's mascot created in 1930, appears throughout all celebrations and represents the festive spirit of the event. This colorful character has become the symbol of the tradition and connects locals and visitors through shared festivities.
The carnival takes place between February and March and attracts many visitors who can watch the parades from the street. The event offers stands selling local snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, making it easy to enjoy the celebration without advance planning.
Many floats are designed a year in advance and require special trucks to move through the streets. In the Cittadella del Carnevale area, visitors can watch artisans work throughout the year in workshops creating these pieces.
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