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We were there for one night and were lucky to see the Carnevale, the floats were fantastic, the colour and vibe was great and the people were so friendly. A must see if you are around at Carnival time.
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Date of experience: February 2020
2 Helpful votes
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The most important place in Viareggio and worth your time if you are interested in the intersection of art, politics, history and street celebration. The origins of Carnevale pre date Christian times and have roots in bacchanal and buffoonery. This all year round museum houses the enormous festival floats that compete in the February- 4 day party. There are photos, articles, artifact. renderings and scale models since the 1920's capturing the imagination and the pressing social concerns of each era. You might see cold war era satire with huge Kissinger, Kruschev, absurd Brexit figures, savage or foolish Donald Trump or the Rolling Stones blown up to the size of a small building, Snow White battling environmental collapse. Las Vegas consuming its young! The floats are thronged with costumed performers and musicians celebrated here too. If you are lucky you might see a float build in process. There is a local bus to the nearby shopping center 1 block away or take a taxi. Anyone interested in the process of art, its reflection of society or experience the Italian's love-hate relationship with celebrity or politics will enjoy this small museum. We were lucky enough that the ticket taker explained many of the past winners paths to success and the importance of carnevale to the whole community who works behind the scenes or as chorus members. My father brought me here in the early 70's when I was 10 years old and I never forgot it, I am thrilled they are going strong!…
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Date of experience: July 2019
2 Helpful votes
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I went over the morning before the parade and really enjoyed seeing all the floats lined up and coming out of the giant stalls. There was a lot of activity, mustic playing, fun atmosphere. But it didn't take long to see everything - maybe 15 minutes. There's a coffee bar there for refreshments. There are restooms, but no paper. I didn't go to the museum, and i'm not sure what's open and accessible outside of Carnevale season - but i'm glad i went.…
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Date of experience: March 2019
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Spent a couple of hours looking round this place. It is not open very often and not until 4- 0' clock in the afternoon so visit needs careful planning. The staff were extremely helpful and tried to explain in limited English the exhibits there. We tried to see the carnival a few years ago but it was rained off,it was interesting therefore to see just what we had misse…
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Date of experience: September 2018
1 Helpful vote
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This is the place where the famous carnival floats of Viareggio are made. Its a special place as one can feel and breath the real world of Viareggio carnival. There are 16 warehouses where the local "carristi" (papier mache masters) build their magic floats. there is also a museum, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. the architectural structure of the Cittadella is very unique and spectacular, infact it's the location of several events and shows in summer.…
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Date of experience: February 2018
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