The Carnival of Viareggio is one of the most significant Carnival celebrations in Italy and Europe. Over the years, it has gained fame due to its unique traditions, strong cultural identity, and its remarkable floats. The floats showcased in Viareggio are known as some of the largest in the world.
The Passeggiata, the town’s seaside promenade, serves as the vibrant backdrop for the grand street parades. The Carnival typically takes place over five weekends, usually spanning from the latter half of January to the first week of March, depending on the annual Carnival dates.
During the festivities, you can expect to see marching bands, spectacular allegorical floats, hundreds of masquerade masks, and people in thematic costumes. All of these elements come together to enliven Viareggio, creating an energetic atmosphere filled with music and dance.
Viareggio Carnival 2025 Edition – The Schedule
Tens of thousands flocked to the seaside avenues during the six parades of the 2024 celebration. Following the conclusion of the 151st edition, organizers have already set the dates for the 152nd edition in 2025.
Here are the dates for the six parades of 2025:
- Saturday, February 8: Opening ceremony and the 1st float parade at 4 p.m., followed by fireworks.
- Sunday, February 16: 2nd float parade at 3 p.m.
- Saturday, February 22: 3rd float parade in the evening at 5 p.m.
- Thursday, February 27: 4th float parade at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, March 2: 5th float parade at 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 4: Final parade at 3 p.m., followed by the award ceremony for the best float and a grand finale with fireworks.
Location: Viali a Mare (the main avenues along the beach).
For more information, please visit the official event website.
How to Purchase Tickets for the Carnival in Viareggio
To save yourself from lengthy queues, purchase tickets online through the Vivatickets platform. Please note that some people without an Italian phone number have encountered difficulties completing their purchases. If you experience this issue, fear not; tickets can also be bought directly at the main entrance located in Piazza Mazzini.
You can easily purchase tickets on-site as well. While there may be a small queue, it’s manageable, and you can enjoy observing the myriad of carnival costumes as you wait.
Ticket prices start at €22.00 for adults and €16.50 for children up to 14 years old. Children under 1.20 meters tall can enter for free.
Keep in mind that online tickets are generally a bit more expensive than those purchased locally. However, buying them online allows you to avoid the lines at the ticket office and expedite your entrance.
How to Get to Viareggio for Carnival
The best way to reach Viareggio during the parade days is via train. There are direct trains available from Florence, Pisa, Lucca, La Spezia, and Cinque Terre. The train station is located just 10-15 minutes away from the seaside promenade.
Essential Information About the Carnevale di Viareggio
In Viareggio, Carnival is a cherished tradition. It holds deep cultural and historical significance. The locals, known as “Viareggini,” are particularly passionate about it. During the festivities, their excitement is palpable. However, this affection extends beyond the Carnival period, as they begin thinking about costumes for the next year almost immediately after the celebrations end.
The Carnival Floats
Along the avenues, you’ll encounter floats of various sizes. The grandiose first-category floats and the smaller yet equally impressive second-category floats all participate in a fierce competition for the title of best creation. On the final day of the Carnival, a jury of experts selects the winners.
Typically, the themes of the floats address universal issues like peace and the environment, often blending political satire or celebrating renowned celebrities and sports figures.
The Carnival Parades in Viareggio
The town transforms into a magical atmosphere during Carnival. Each year, the Carnevale di Viareggio draws thousands of tourists eager to marvel at the stunning floats while joyfully tossing confetti and streamers. People of all ages dress up as princes, princesses, kings, queens, and even characters from television, history, and cartoons. The variety is endless.
Don’t miss the chance to grab snacks from street vendors offering treats such as cotton candy, fried donuts, cream-filled pastries, and other traditional Carnival sweets.
Here are two recipes for you to try making your own Dolci di Carnevale from Italian tradition:
Once the parades conclude, the celebrations continue into the night. Many neighborhoods in town (Rioni) host street parties filled with music, food, and drinks. Here, revelers don quirky and outrageous costumes (whether homemade or rented) with one goal in mind: to enjoy themselves with friends until the early morning hours. The Carnival madness culminates in the Grand Finale after the last parade, where winners are announced while fireworks illuminate the serene waters of the Versilia coast.
History of the Carnival of Viareggio
The Carnival of Viareggio began on February 24, 1873, on a Mardi Gras, initiated by a group of affluent young locals.
During one of their customary meetings at the Café of the Casino, they decided to celebrate Carnival with a parade of flower-decorated wagons along the historic Via Regia. Meanwhile, some residents donned colorful masks, using the parade as a platform to protest against tax increases. Thus, the Carnival parade evolved into an opportunity for the community to express their grievances.
Years later, musical performances and movement were integrated into the floats, which began to be crafted using the innovative paper-mâché method starting in 1925.
The Mascots of Viareggio Carnival
The Carnival of Viareggio boasts its own mascot, named Burlamacco. Created in 1930 by Umberto Bonetti, a local futuristic artist and designer, Burlamacco is a cheerful character that embodies various elements from traditional Italian masks. He sports a Harlequin-inspired costume adorned with a white button evocative of the French Pierrot. His red and white color scheme mirrors the stripes of the beach umbrellas, while his white ruff resembles that of Captain Fracassa (or Captain Spaventa). Topping off his look is the hat of Rugantino, along with the dark cloak of Doctor Balanzone, all while painted like a clown, symbolizing joy and laughter.
In the Carnival’s 1931 poster, Burlamacco is depicted with a slender female figure, named Ondina, representing the typical summer bathers of Viareggio. Together, Burlamacco and Ondina are emblematic of the city’s spirit: the essence of Carnival and summer.
In 2001, a new home for the floats and masks was established at the Cittadella del Carnevale. This creative hub is where the magic of Carnival comes alive, boasting sixteen large hangars where artists devote their time to crafting new float designs. Additionally, the complex houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Carnival of Viareggio and features a contemporary art exhibition.
With each passing year, the Viareggio Carnival has gained increasing importance, reaching an impressive milestone in 2011 with 325,000 spectators at a single parade.
Carnival Faces
Where to Stay in Viareggio During the Carnival
To fully immerse yourself in the vibrant Carnival atmosphere of Viareggio, I recommend staying at least one night in town. This way, even after the parades end, you can continue exploring the festive street events organized by the neighborhood districts.
- Principe di Piemonte: For a luxurious experience, consider booking a suite in this iconic 5-star hotel, featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and a rooftop infinity pool.
- Hotel Plaza e de Russie – Relais & Châteaux: Another upscale hotel situated directly on the seaside promenade in the heart of Viareggio.
- Hotel La Pace: A charming 3-star hotel with waterfront views. If you reserve a sea-view room, you can watch the Carnival parade from your terrace.
Further Reading
If you’re planning a visit to Viareggio and Versilia for the Carnival, you might find the following articles helpful:
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(Updated on 26.02.2024)
