Carnival of Viareggio from 1873 to the present day

The Viareggio Carnival is one of the oldest and most famous events in Italy which history dates back to 1873! 

It is one of the most important carnivals in Italy – second only to Venice – and in the world, to which adults and children come from all cities.

Every year in February the city of Viareggio is transformed into a big party, where tradition merges with innovation and satire becomes art: the Burlamacco plays its role as mascot, and artisans are ready to show their works for these unique celebrations.

Carnival floats and masquerade parades

The floats of the Viareggio Carnival are the true stars of the show. These gigantic constructions are made of wood or paper-mâché, with the purpose of addressing through satire and allegory current social, news and political issues. Their height can vary from 10 to 15 meters, and their length can exceed 40 meters, making them a sight to behold.

The floats are designed and built by several local companies, each trying to outdo the other in the imagination and originality of their creations. Their construction begins months before the event in the Carnival Citadel, where artisans work tirelessly to create these moving giants. The art of paper-mâché making has been handed down for generations in Viareggio and is a crucial aspect of the carnival.

During the floats parade, an expert jury awards prizes to the floats for their originality, creativity, and artistic achievement. The winners are awarded the title of “King of Carnival”, a highly coveted honor among the participating companies.

The city also hosts concerts, street performances, and masquerade parties, providing entertainment for all ages. There are events such as the children’s parade and the parade of miniature floats, which showcase the talents and creativity of the younger participants.

The Citadel: the place where magic happens

The Carnival Citadel, also known as La Cittadella del Carnevale, is the hub of the Viareggio Carnival. This enclosed area serves as the center of operations for the construction of the floats, where a lot of craftsmen work tirelessly to create their masterpieces out of wood and paper-mâché.

The floats are not only impressive in size and design, but also in the amount of work that goes into creating them. The construction of the floats begins months before the event, and the Citadel is a bustling place where artisans and designers come together to bring their creations to life. This place is where the technique of paper-mâché making is passed down from generation to generation and is preserved, keeping the tradition of the carnival alive.

During the carnival period, the Citadel is open to the public, providing an opportunity for visitors to witness the floats under construction up close and to meet the artisans who create them. It’s a chance to see the intricate details and the amount of effort put into each float, and to understand the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating these moving giants. Visitors can also see the floats being decorated and painted, and it’s a unique opportunity to learn more about the process of creating floats for the carnival.

Inside the Citadel, there is also the Carnival Museum, which is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the tradition and culture of the Viareggio Carnival. The museum showcases the masks and costumes used in past editions, and it provides a glimpse into the history of the carnival. Visitors can learn about the different themes and motifs used over the years, and the evolution of the floats and costumes. The museum also features photographs, videos, and interactive exhibits, making it an engaging and informative experience.

Carnival of Viareggio 2025: the 152nd edition

Once again, Viareggio will host its traditional Carnival, which reaches its 152nd edition in 2025. 

The event will take place from 8 February to 4 March 2025 on the Viareggio promenade and, as always, and will feature the traditional parade of colorful paper-mâché floats along the seaside promenade.

Every year, artists and craftsmen try to do their best. Among others, this year we will admire floats inspired by Maria De Filippi, Frankenstein, and the Italian Republic. During the six masked parades we will be able to reflect on the role of women in the Church, contemporaneity, the relationship with social media, and the search for happiness.

There will be 9 first-category floats, 4 second-category floats, 8 group masquerades and 8 isolated masks.

The Viareggio Carnival 2025 begins on February 8 at 5 p.m. with the first Masked Course, which will end with a fireworks display.

The second Masquerade Course will take place on February 16 at 3 p.m., while the third Course will be held on February 22 at 5 p.m. 

The fourth Masquerade Course will be on February 27 at 6pm. 

The fifth Masquerade Course is scheduled for March 2nd at 3 p.m., the last one before the Closing Masquerade Course on March 4th at 3 p.m. At the very end of the last course, there will be the announcement of the winners and a fireworks display.

You can buy your tickets online or at physical stores near the events.

Viareggio Carnival 2025 comes to Lucca!

The Viareggio Carnival comes to Lucca! The appointment is on the historical walls for the big parade on February 23 at 3 p.m., while Piazza San Michele will host a big screen showing images of the floats.

Lucca in Maschera is also the perfect occasion to admire the papier-mâché works of art of the master artisans: The Gorilla under the loggia of Palazzo Pretorio, The Skull Parade in Piazza Anfiteatro, and The Shamans in Piazza del Giglio.

February 23 is a special day: a 4-metre high and 5-metre long panther will descend from the walls and move through the streets and squares of the old town.

Finally, Piazza San Michele will host a party with fire-eaters, stilt-walkers, streamers, and animation on February 15 and 22 (from 2.30 p.m.) and March 1st (from 4 p.m.).

And last but not least, there will be the traditional Carnival concert on February 22 with the Italian singer Ivana Spagna!

Take advantage of the Carnival to spend a few days in Lucca! We are waiting for you in our historic residence L’Antica Bifore located in the heart of the old town: you can combine the Carnival of Viareggio with a lovely tour through Lucca and Tuscany.