Viareggio in Tuscany has one of the largest Carnevale celebrations in Europe that last for several weekends. Colorful parades, which draw hundreds of thousands, are known for their colossal paper mâché puppets depicting politicians, actors, celebrities, animals, and other figures. Huge floats, circling between the beach and shopping district, get more complex and creative each year. Thought-provoking allegorical floats play their own soundtracks and feature dancers who captivate the audience. The floats compete against each other in two categories: group floats and single floats. The winners are awarded on the final day of Carnevale.
The carnival takes place over five weekends. The action is concentrated on Lungomare di Viareggio and other beachfront streets. The final parade takes place on the last day of the festivities. The fantastic procession starts at 5 pm, followed by the awards ceremony for the best float. Carnevale di Viareggio ends with a spectacular fireworks display.
Carnevale in Viareggio started in 1873 as a masquerade for the rich bourgeois. Its official mascot is Burlamacco, first depicted in 1931 by Uberto Bonetti. This clown-like figure is dressed in red and white, the colors of the umbrellas on the beach at Viareggio. Named after the Burlamacca River, Burlamacco has a statue dedicated to him on the Lungomare in Viareggio.
The carnival is followed by masked and musical dance parties, which last all night. They are called veglioni colorati. The women wear dresses of certain hues, and the decorations have to follow a specific color theme. The best bars and clubs of Viareggio participate in the celebration, holding special events.
