Viareggio - Italian Style Carnival !!!

Carnival in Tuscany, Italy is not only a time to bring out the famous Venetian customs with colorful masks and long flowing robes - but also a national holiday to poke holes at their political machine. No one does it better than the folk at Viareggio in Tuscany.

Carnival in Tuscany, Italy is not only a time to bring out the famous Venetian customs with colorful masks and long flowing robes - but also a national holiday to poke holes at their political machine. No one does it better than the folk at Viareggio in Tuscany.

The artists of these amazing paper machè floats get their inspiration from local or international current events. They find colourful and amusing ways to make these events come to life in a way BIGGER than life.

In February, CARNIVAL - when the weather is gray and spirits begin to sag after the holiday of Christmas and Befana - the Italians roll up there sleeves and begin to work hard at producing funny characters which reflect their frustrations of currect events, the local political situation and even the actions of world leaders.

The Tuscans and Italians have a unique capability to laugh at themselves - and tease their political figures during this period. Carnival in Viareggio is a huge event which draws 100`s and 1000`s of persons - plus local and international attention.

The 2006 Viareggio Carnival is a celebration in the name of peace, love and solidarity. The stars of these spectacular shows will once again be the huge paper maché floats which parade from the 12th February to the 5the March, offering a wide programme of entertainment and fun for children and adults.

The huge floats parading on 12, 19, 26, 28 February and 5 March - will include ten 1st category floats - the biggest ones weighing about forty tons each - two smaller 2nd category floats and two masquerades, plus an experimental float, as well as smaller floats from the town district festivals. The procession will also include folkloristic bands and performers with the most original masks, guaranteeing excitement, fun and tradition.