I love the Viareggio Carnevale! I love the chaos, the fabulousness and the crazy audience. Many people turn up in costume, whole families dressed as wild animals or characters from the Flintsones and so much more.
Huge floats trundle down the street with blaring music, energetic dancing and wildly moving parts. Nothing is fenced off, it is completely free range and somehow is all seems to work beautifully. It is a spectacular event and I try to go every year.
This year I went on the final day of Carnevale. It was not as busy as some years, but it was just as chaotic and fun.
Here are some of the floats, the enthusiastic participants and the dressed up spectators.
The first photos are of my favourite float, mainly because of the crow costumes of the participants. I have no idea what the message is.
These characters seemed to be part of the same float.
Another favourite.
…and lots more.
I have been 10 times and will no doubt turn up again next year.
What a spectacle! I would love to be in Italy one year to go and see this.
By: Kerry & Jim on March 13, 2025
at 10:41 pm
You really need to be in the middle of it to really appreciate the madness of it all.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 14, 2025
at 7:02 am
An incredible amount of planning & work must go into making it such a success. I can just see you enjoying the whole atmosphere.
By: Camillus Davall on March 13, 2025
at 10:42 pm
I’m sure work is already underway for next year. One day I will visit the place where the floats are made.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 14, 2025
at 7:03 am
I wonder where they store the floats? They are all pretty darn big.
By: Yvonne on March 13, 2025
at 10:58 pm
It is huge. It is possible to visit to see work in progress. I will get there one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 14, 2025
at 7:04 am
Love this parade. Can’t wait to see what political comments they make next year. Lots of material to choose from!
By: Debbie on March 13, 2025
at 11:33 pm
I did not understand some of the themes. There is always political satire and environment concerns, but some are just fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 14, 2025
at 7:04 am
THIS is always a spectacular feast for the eyes – the creativity, talent and cheekiness. Love it……but have to say, despite it’s magnificent results….I adore your posts when you first arrive back to Italy in the Spring….never, ever tire of the river scene, the daffodils and the flowers you plant on the bridge. I think they are very special….those photos, with varying patterns in the sky…they always do my heart good and create such nostalgia, thank you.
By: Catherine Rowley on March 14, 2025
at 2:41 pm
It is lovely to see spring appear, but this week we have had torrential rain which has resulted in several landslides. Roads have been cut and Bagni di Lucca has been isolated today. I hope things get better soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 14, 2025
at 8:14 pm