Viareggio Carnival: giant satirical floats on the Tuscan coast

Viareggio's carnival is famous for its enormous papier-mâché floats, many of them biting caricatures of politicians and celebrities. The parades roll along the seafront promenade on several weekends, with music, confetti and crowds in costume.

Fun facts

• The first parade took place in 1873, making it one of Italy's oldest carnivals.
• The floats can rise over 20 metres and take local workshops months to build.
• The carnival mascot, the clown Burlamacco, was designed in 1930.

What to see

• The main parades of giant floats along the Viali a Mare promenade.
• The Cittadella del Carnevale, with float workshops and a carnival museum.
• The Liberty-style seafront buildings from the early 20th century.

What to taste

• Cacciucco, a rich tomato-based fish stew from this part of the Tuscan coast.
• Cenci, the Tuscan name for crunchy fried carnival pastry with sugar.
• Cecina, a thin chickpea flatbread sold hot by the slice.

What to do

• Join the evening parties in the city's neighbourhoods during carnival weeks.
• Take the train to Lucca and walk or cycle on its city walls.
• Combine your trip with Pisa's Leaning Tower, just 20 minutes away.

💡 Tip: Fly into Pisa, then take a train to Viareggio in about 20 minutes. Parade tickets are cheaper online, and the evening parades are often less crowded.