February in Versilia is as lively as in summer time: costumes are quite different from bikinis and swimsuits but they are colorful and funny anyway. I am talking about the super shiny and thrilling atmosphere of the Carnival of Viareggio, one of the oldest and most renowned carnivals in Italy.
This year the event will take place along an entire month, from February 9 to March 5, 2019 with a busy calendar of shows and fireworks.
The masquerade shows with the famous papier-mache carnival carts are scheduled in the weekends and in the final day, the Fat Tuesday on the 5th of March.
The Italian Masters of the papier-mache creations are amongst the most expert ones worldwide: with their infinite imagination and the explosive creativity, they sketch and shape gigantic ironic carts that represent famous people and events of politics and showbiz. More than 25 local companies work on these technological and up-to-date carts. Not to mention the hundreds of local volunteers.
The official opening of the Viareggio Carnival will take place with the typical 3 cannon shots coming from the sea: right the best way to shout out loud “let’s start the party”. Then, there is an irresistible vortex of dances, masks and music that streams through the main streets of the city, joined by the locals and the tourists as well.
It is a kind of enchantment, that pervades everything and everyone. How impressive the majestic carts – 20 meters high and 12 meters wide – move naturally surrounded by the crowd.
This highly beloved tradition is held in Viareggio since 1873.
This year, the show will have as its fil rouge the women and the #metoo movement. There will bel lots of famous showgirls, female entrepreneurs and artists that will take part to the Viareggio Carnival.
If you want to attend the Viareggio Carnival, take a look at the calendar:
- Saturday 9 February – 4 pm: Opening ceremony and first carts show
- Sunday 17 February – 3 pm: Second carts show
- Saturday 23 February – 5 pm: night carts show
- Sunday 3 March – 3 pm: fourth carts show
Tuesday 5 March – 3 pm: closing carts show. At the end of the show the winners will be proclaimed with final fireworks