2011-03-13

Viareggio Carnival

The most spectacular in Italy, Viareggio Carnival is famous worldwide for its incredible floats, which satirise public and political figures. Huge Trojan horse-like puppets parade around the town, competing for the finest float award.

The people of Viareggio begin preparing the huge papier-mâché puppets in hangar-like buildings by the sea. Making them and setting them atop the floats requires considerable technical skill, creativity and imagination.

On set days throughout the carnival period each float carries about 200 people in costume as well as a dozen inside to manoeuvre the weights, counter-weights and levers that prevent the puppet from toppling over. Each parade finishes with gastronomic events and a massive municipal fireworks display.

The period of carnival is a licence to play practical jokes, which include throwing confetti and brandishing soft rubber truncheons and foam weapons. The season's typical sweets are crispy frittelle and chiacchiere.

When: 20 Feb - 13 Mar 2011; Sun only

Where: Viareggio, Italy

From: whatsonwhen.com

last modification: 2011-02-04
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