VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL 2010
the magic great parades of papier-maché floats

MASKED PARADES
Sunday 31 genuary
Sunday 7 february
Sunday 14 february
Tuesday 16 february
Sunday 21 february

Viareggio Carnival attracts every year more than 1.000.000 spectators gathering in Viareggio to attend the magic of the great parades of papiermaché floats

THE PARADE

The parades take place on the seaside avenues of Viareggio, known as La Passeggiata,a ring-like circuit 2 km. long; where the floats move among the spectators, who can attend the show with no barriers, totally safe, becoming in turn the protagonists of the parade.

Real travelling theatres , the giants Carnival floats in
paper-maché are the protagonists of Viareggio Carnival’s
extraordinary parades, the product of the unequalled
creativity, of the extraordinary sculpture and painting skill of Viareggio‘magicians’, and are the highest instance example of this popular art whose language has spread all over the world.

During the Carnival period, Viareggio and his
Passeggiata change into a true open air
Museum where people coming from all over
the world meet to enjoy together.

The parades also include folkloristic bands and performers with the most original masks, offering excitement, culture and tradition in a wide programme of entertainment and fun for children and adults.

The huge floats parading on  31 January and  7,  14, 16  and 21 February - will include 11   1st category floats - the biggest ones weighing about forty tons each – 6 smaller 2nd category floats and 11 masquerades  The big parade  will also include folkloristic bands and performers with the most original masks, guaranteeing excitement, fun and tradition.
Noteworthy is the programme of related events including a large  number of shows and cultural events such as fun musical comedies in vernacular, a series of carnival menus available in restaurants of the area,  festivals in the various town neighbourhoods, as well as numerous masked balls held in the best discotheques and ballrooms of the area. Among the huge programme of sporting events, the most important is the   International Junior Football Tournament Carnival Cup.

Carnival Cittadella Viareggio

At the “Cittadella” there is always a merry atmosphere.  
The Carnival Cittadella of Viareggio is a completely new and impressing   environment where you can enjoy Carnival all year round and discover the secrets of Burlamacco and those of the masters who create their works, the real stars of the event. Cittadella is situated in the north area of the city, has been offering several guided tours organized by the H.AR.T.Association.

During these tours, groups have the chance for a full guided visit to  the hangars where the gigantic papier maché carts are built. The visit also comprises an explanation by the artists on the techniques used for the construction of the carts creation and the secrets regarding this unusual job.
It will be possible to visit the Papier Mâchè Museum exhibiting  the models of the recently awarded carts, together with the special works of value.

The museum will offer you an historical review on Viareggio Carnival in a colourful and enjoyable environment typical of the Carnival atmosphere.

At the end of the visit will follow a video on Carnival history.

Viareggio Carnival waits for you in 2010

Information

Phone: +39 0584.51176 - E-mail: cittadella.carnevale@libero.it

Further information at: Viareggio Fondazione Carnevale, Piazza Mazzini 22, Phone. +39 0584.1840750