Fortunately I arrived in Italy in time to revisit the dazzling Carnevale in Viareggio.
As usual politicians come in for some ruthless comment. On the first float I saw poor Angela Merkel dressed as a showgirl. Occasionally she would give birth to a little naked man, (I think it is Renzi) while being led by an army of sperm…poor Angela.
World leaders warming their hands on a burning globe was a standout float. I was most impressed by Putin’s blue eyes and lips and Obama’s blue eyelids, shown off when he blinked.
Renzi looks cheerful…
Politicians and the Pope always make an appearance.
A 2 sided theatre showed a happy, colourful side and a dark, sinister side.
Pinocchio gets some dark treatment.
Some themes are a bit obscure. Maybe I need to know more about current affairs in Italy.
Burmalacco made an appearance.
Dinosaurs are always popular.
A city changes from from black and white to full colour.
A cake opened up to reveal a lively centre.
…a complicated one.
…a clever clown.
There was a very impressive elephant.
This is a wonderful event. It seems chaotic. People wander in and out and all around the floats while they are trundling down the street. There is loud music, confetti, children, dogs…all together having fun.
Some of our very carefully choreographed events in Australia could learn some lessons here.
Take a look at Bella Bagni di Lucca for some Carnevale faces.
I even saw Australia on a globe arrangement – it’s so clever and well done – if I couldn’t be there this is next best
By: Liz Litzow on February 24, 2015
at 12:13 pm
I had to include a little bit of Australia. You must be here one year for the parade.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 12:35 pm
Great pics. Missed it so much. London’s Notting hill carnival isn’t really officially a carnival as it takes place after lent and then so many people get murdered at it….Viareggio is the real McCoy.
By: Francis on February 24, 2015
at 12:26 pm
It really is a great event…and we were lucky with the weather.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 12:34 pm
I didn’t realize that humorous commentaries were so profound in this parade. They must have had endless material with Silvio Berlusconi. How long is this parade? (in the sense of time).Thanks for the grins.
By: aFrankAngle on February 24, 2015
at 12:28 pm
It took about 3 hours for the floats to go around the streets. I stood in one spot and let them go past me. You can go to the category Carnevale in Viareggio to see the posts I have done on the last few years (except last year). There is lots on Burlusconi.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 12:33 pm
Wow … that’s longer than I anticipated. Burlusconi had to be a gold mine!
By: aFrankAngle on February 24, 2015
at 12:39 pm
As you can imagine the floats go quite slowly. They are huge and there are lots of dressed up people walking in front of them. There are also lots of smaller participants. These are a bit hard to photograph as I am short and hemmed in by people.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 1:10 pm
Brought back wonderful memories of our day there last March.
By: sealights99 on February 24, 2015
at 1:10 pm
I have been for the last few years. It is always good.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 1:12 pm
More great photos, Deb! Viareggio always puts on a colourful, irreverent event which is great fun. After all, this is what Carnevale is all about….
By: Mulino Dominillo on February 24, 2015
at 3:05 pm
It is good that people can use these occasions for social comment.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 3:07 pm
Wow! I had no idea! This is amazing, such talent! Thanks for sharing 🙂
By: kalgoorliegirl on February 24, 2015
at 3:46 pm
The parade is spectacular. I hope I can make it next year.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 4:12 pm
Very creative floats, Debra. Seeing all these caricatures makes me thankful that I’m not a politician though. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on February 24, 2015
at 7:54 pm
Yes, who would be a politician?
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 9:27 pm
Good question, Debra. 😀
By: anotherday2paradise on February 24, 2015
at 9:27 pm
Fabulous. I was waiting for Berlusconi to turn up and he did, looking bvery camp. better fun than Mardi Gras.
By: Francesca on February 24, 2015
at 9:15 pm
He doesn’t feature as much as he once did, but he still lurks around…much like in real life.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2015
at 9:25 pm
Funny, but my Italian guest calls Renzi ” Berlusconi’s Baby.”
By: Francesca on February 24, 2015
at 9:51 pm
What a spectacle!
By: Jim & Kerry on February 24, 2015
at 10:02 pm
It’s great fun. This was my 5th Carnevale. They come up with amazing things every year.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:21 am
Oh, so Italian Deb!! Hilarious and I love it all!
R
By: Paris Rendez-Vous and Beyond on February 24, 2015
at 10:32 pm
The floats are incredible. They are huge and you get to be very close.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:24 am
Wow these are quite the masterpieces! I am alittle shocked by Merkel and the sperm men though. Is it always so political? Fascinating photos!
By: thirdeyemom on February 24, 2015
at 11:03 pm
It is always political. Considering they take months to make they are very topical.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:25 am
Poor Angela, I wonder if she knows about this. Great photos and very creative floats.
By: Gerlinde on February 25, 2015
at 12:47 am
No doubt someone has passed on the good news to Angela. You would have to have a tough hide to be a politician.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:27 am
Awesome stuff Debra —next time your in Viareggio , can U put a deposit down for me on a new Bennetti 100’😄
By: Richard the terrible on February 25, 2015
at 12:55 am
What colour would you like?
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:28 am
Fascinating as was not at all knowledgeable! Scrolling up-and-down led to Mr Google and quizzes re other similar festivals – dunno that I agree with myself as an ‘explorer’ but have sure had a ball exploring this!! Thanks!! Marvellous photos and do wonder why Angela Merkel seemed to ‘cop it’ above others!!!!
By: Eha on February 25, 2015
at 2:20 am
It seems it was really Angela’s turn this year. Burlisconi featured for many years, but he has been pushed to the side.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:29 am
What a fun event and all your great pictures, Debra, I have never heard of the Carnevale of Viareggio.
By: corneliaweberphotography on February 25, 2015
at 2:52 am
I thought it was well known. You can go back and see the ones I have photographed previously.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:31 am
What a treat. Viareggio and a carnival. Italy sure does know how to put on a parade. Your photos are stunning as always
By: Lyn on February 25, 2015
at 4:10 am
Viareggio certainly puts on a good show…it was a beautiful day too.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:34 am
Looked to be hilarious- some pretty amusing and clever and some so not. Anyway thanks for the pictures – bet you then went to your favourite sea food restaurant for that delicious fish lunch.
By: Dianne Cant on February 25, 2015
at 4:28 am
An amazing amount if work goes into these floats…there are some clever people around.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:35 am
Thanks Deb fabulous photos. I think I need to time a trip around ths carnival.
By: Jan Fabretti on February 25, 2015
at 5:18 am
Come next year and we will go together.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 5:38 am
Amazing photos Debra! Such an entertaining, colourful event really 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on February 25, 2015
at 7:30 am
Amazing spectacle – great photos!
By: Pauline on February 25, 2015
at 8:33 am
Loved reading your blog and comparing this to the longest running Carnival in Italy at Putignano, where the politicians also headlined! You might be interested in reading my blog on Putignano https://puglianpleasures.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/did-putignano-carnival-live-up-to-expectations/
😀
By: Valerie Rice on February 25, 2015
at 10:44 am
The likenesses are amazing! So happy you made it once again this year!
By: janinevasta on February 25, 2015
at 11:42 am
What a wonderful event to attend. I can’t believe the size of the floats and how imaginative they all are. Thank you so much for sharing carnevale with us.
By: Karen on February 25, 2015
at 2:52 pm
The floats are enormous and the music is very loud. It is an exciting event to attend.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2015
at 7:43 pm
I love Carnevale! They are such incredible pieces! So much talent and work must go into those floats. How is it funded?
By: Jan on February 26, 2015
at 3:32 am
[…] arrived in Italy in time to see the fabulous Viareggio Carnevale. I go every year if I can. It is a spectacle not to be […]
By: A year of travel | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 26, 2015
at 1:18 pm
I note that Carnevale in Venice is from 11 February to 28 February, in 2017. Does the Viareggio parade happen on the last weekend? (The dates are TBA, on the website.)
By: Yvonne on May 11, 2016
at 7:27 am
I think you will have to wait for them to announce the dates. I’m not sure what happens when.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 11, 2016
at 1:41 pm