Carnevale Di Viareggio
Carnevale Di Viareggio
4.5
About
The Carnevale di Viareggio is a carnival held in the city of Viareggio, Tuscany, Italy. It is one the most popular carnivals in Europe. The tradition of the carnival goes way back to 1873, when the first parade was held. This parade with colorful floats is held on the Viale Regina Margherita and its favorite subjects are caricatures of popular people. The Italians themselves love the Viareggio Carnival and despite the more and more curious tourists, the event holds an authentic Italian character. During the whole month you can enjoy some of the finest Italian culture with colorful night-parties, masked balls, and theater shows.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
314 reviews
Excellent
229
Very good
57
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
14
BlueTravels
Jacksonville, FL
Feb 2018 • Friends
Carnevale Viareggio met and exceeded all my expectations. First, the floats in the masked parades are nothing short of amazing... the creativity, the craftsmanship, the SIZE, the enthusiasm of the performers... all stupendous. Second, the energy - at least what I experienced - was all positive. There was none of the public drunkenness or bad behavior that I'd been warned sometimes takes place. It was truly a family event.
I attended two masked parades. Even though I was living in Viareggio for the winter, as an English speaker, I had a hard time getting information. I didn't know whether it was advisable to buy tickets in advance and whether it was better to pay the extra money to get seats in the stands or just walk with the crowd. So I did it both ways.
For the first parade, which was opening night, I bought seats in the stands ahead of time at a local travel agent. Although I paid a small commission, it was offset by the small discount for buying in advance. The stands, only half full, were occupied mostly by senior citizens. But they provided a terrific vantage point for photographing the floats. Also the performers put on their best shows in front of the stands.
Opening night was a mixed blessing. We had to sit through an hour of speeches that I could have done without but some of the performers in front of the floats did more elaborate performances than they did at the later parades. (Perhaps because judging takes place on opening night??)
For the second parade, we just bought tickets onsite earlier the day of the parade. No lines and the advantage of a free poster that I did not get when I bought tickets at an agent. We did not sit in the stands, but instead walked between the floats. I don't think the performances were as elaborate this time. I basically chased my favorite float (which won category 1) but never saw them do the breathtaking performance that they did on opening night.
Be aware that the floats arrive onsite and are staged along the route earlier in the day. Especially, if you are going to sit in the stands, I'd recommend arriving a couple of hours early, and walking the entire route. You can get something to eat along the way as most of the shops will be open. We found that this is when we took some of our best photos and the performers, when you point a camera at them - especially if you ask - are quick to strike a pose.
Also, in case you are wondering, the parade itself is about three hours, plus speeches, if there are any, there are fireworks after the parade only on select nights, and yes there are porta-potties but they can be hard to find and everyone we asked pointed us towards local bars, which were indeed accommodating but with very long lines.
Overall, great experience that I'd highly recommend.
I attended two masked parades. Even though I was living in Viareggio for the winter, as an English speaker, I had a hard time getting information. I didn't know whether it was advisable to buy tickets in advance and whether it was better to pay the extra money to get seats in the stands or just walk with the crowd. So I did it both ways.
For the first parade, which was opening night, I bought seats in the stands ahead of time at a local travel agent. Although I paid a small commission, it was offset by the small discount for buying in advance. The stands, only half full, were occupied mostly by senior citizens. But they provided a terrific vantage point for photographing the floats. Also the performers put on their best shows in front of the stands.
Opening night was a mixed blessing. We had to sit through an hour of speeches that I could have done without but some of the performers in front of the floats did more elaborate performances than they did at the later parades. (Perhaps because judging takes place on opening night??)
For the second parade, we just bought tickets onsite earlier the day of the parade. No lines and the advantage of a free poster that I did not get when I bought tickets at an agent. We did not sit in the stands, but instead walked between the floats. I don't think the performances were as elaborate this time. I basically chased my favorite float (which won category 1) but never saw them do the breathtaking performance that they did on opening night.
Be aware that the floats arrive onsite and are staged along the route earlier in the day. Especially, if you are going to sit in the stands, I'd recommend arriving a couple of hours early, and walking the entire route. You can get something to eat along the way as most of the shops will be open. We found that this is when we took some of our best photos and the performers, when you point a camera at them - especially if you ask - are quick to strike a pose.
Also, in case you are wondering, the parade itself is about three hours, plus speeches, if there are any, there are fireworks after the parade only on select nights, and yes there are porta-potties but they can be hard to find and everyone we asked pointed us towards local bars, which were indeed accommodating but with very long lines.
Overall, great experience that I'd highly recommend.
Written March 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelawotzername
Northwich, UK
Feb 2017
I have admired Viareggio carnival via Internet and Film/ photo footage for many years and was lucky enough to visit with friends in 2017 and a larger carnival study group too. The parades occurred every weekend prior to shrove Tuesday annually and sometimes in August. We where lucky to see 2 parades the final shrove Tuesday event was cancelled due to high winds but floats could be viewed at the citadels instead. This years floats as always didn't dissapointing with lots of international media attention for the gigantic President Trump float which was hilarious but also very poignant. The carnivalist said are amazing performers really professional troupes, contagious dancing set pieces, songs etc. The floats are truly spectacular in size...they dwarf the hotels and shops on promenade, several stories high if you are lucky enough to get inside them. The parades ran on time as stated. €15-20 entry to viewing zones helps contribute to the costs of creating the floats. There's grand stand viewing and stages but it's easy to view from street or hotels. The atmosphere was brilliant, a perfect family event, very child friendly.I will Definately visit again, it's 30-40mins train ride from Pisa- budget airlines. The weather was slightly warmer than UK for time of year....fabulous to have more than 1 opportunity to see the carnival. Do follow them online to see past carnivals. Celebrations near the harbour before the parades included bands , beers, funfair atmosphere and rides...it gets very busy in hotels, bars and cafes so be sure to have snacks and drinks on hand...the supermarkets where open but also busy
Written September 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dario M
Reano, Italy
Feb 2022
Fanstatc event, to wath with friends or family, very good organization an take a care covid rules, there are a lot of controls for own safety.
Written February 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StayFocused StayCalm
India
Feb 2019 • Friends
Viareggio Carnival is one of the best carnival in Italy. Themes of carnivals are from Politics to social. Amazing place to be there.
Written February 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Feb 2020
The carnival is a fabulous event. Very family friendly. Every one is dressed up and there is an amazing atmosphere. Viareggio itself is gorgeous and I would highly recommend it for a visit.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rebogamy
New Market, MD
Mar 2017
The incredible floats made of papier mache are incredibly detailed and huge. Donald Trump as the McDonald's hamburglar, Pope Francis surrounded by the icons of communism, Queen Elizabeth, the Mayor of Rome and other Italian politicians are satirized on floats. Good cheap eats and beer and wine from stands. Children and adults in costumes. Just a fun way to spend a day. Check out my pictures.
Written March 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sujad
Maldives
Feb 2017
This is a nice carnival with big colorful floats with music and lights, dancing group around. Each float or group represents a famous political figure and making fun of them. It was amazing to see whole crowd is having fun together with special costume, some are with mask and make up.
Written March 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lidia D
Perugia
Feb 2017
It was amazing to see all the carts and the mass and costumes. Everybody was enjoying, dancing, singing and every year their proposals are Wow!
Written February 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SHA12311
Cairo, Egypt
Feb 2016 • Couples
I admittedly have childhood memories of this Carnival having first attended it in the 60's and 70's. It is an annual winter event and one of the most famous of Italy, even if the Venice one has its flare as well. But in the case of Viareggio the satires, cars, impersonations, political messages are well beyond your imagination. There is even a Carnival museum you can visit all year round. Besides the big large cars with satires and world famous characters portrayed you also have street food and fish of all kinds to enjoy in the evenings. Long walks and lots of entertainment. Worth your visit during that time of the year, even if very touristic.
Written November 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia R
Viareggio, Italy
Feb 2019 • Family
Fantastic folk carnival fair. Good for persons of all ages, with friends, families, etc. It take place during February period for one month every weekend there is the main carnival in the afternoon and parties in the night. Must go once in life
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curiosity27810244381
Rovigo, Italy
Buongiorno, volevo sapere se dai carri vengono lanciati peluche o regali come al carnevale di cento??
Written January 21, 2024
Marco Gianni
Pisa, Italy
Non lo so mi dispiace. In darsena c'è un parcheggio vicino allo stadio. Anche se c'è da camminare un po' è tranquillamente percorribile anche con la carrozzina
Written March 10, 2022
zaida-wi
Province of Valencia, Spain
Hola, para ver el Carnaval de Viareggio es necesaria una entrada? comprar algun billete o algo? me pueden indicar que pagina web o el link para acceder.
Gracias
Written February 18, 2020
jonnyp84
Follonica, Italy
Buongiorno
venendo da sud e uscendo a viareggio sud, mi sapete dire dove parcheggiare? è fattibile per la sfilata di sabato delle 17 arrivare a viareggio alle 16?
grazie
Written February 12, 2020
Ily 7
Viareggio, Italy
Ciao
Se esci a viareggio sud
O lasci la macchina alla pam e fai il cavalcavia a piedi
Oppure
Molti lasciano la macchina nella zona terminetto
Dietro alla ferrovia
La via si chiama via aurelia nord angolo via pardi
Fanno il sotto passaggio e cosi dalla stazione si va a piedi
Written February 14, 2020
Kikki4
Rome, Italy
Salve vorrei sapere se i carri si vedono bene anche fuori dal circuito soffro le folle, qnt carri sfilano +/- , andró x un paio d'ore vorrei vivere anche altre atmosfere cosa mi consigliate?
Written January 15, 2020
massim01947
Viareggio, Italy
I carri si possono vedere anche quando si avviano sul lungomare, ma sono senza movimenti e senza coreografie. Siccome il percorso di sfilata è lungo, consiglio di entrare nel corso e mettersi in un posto dove c'è meno confusione, ma lo spettacolo merita. Altrimenti ci sono , in Piazza Mazzini; dei posti a sedere a pagamento.
Written January 17, 2020
Leocingoli
Cingoli, Italy
Volevo sapere se dai carri vengono lanciati dolci o oggetti come in altri Carnevali
Written January 6, 2020
Ily 7
Viareggio, Italy
A volte lanciano delle caramelle
Ma la cosa caratteristica è altro, come arrivi entri subito in un atmosfera piena di musica banchetti e persone mascherate
I carri sono mastodontici, pensa che sopra ci stanno anche più di cento persone e davanti è situato un corteo sempre mascherato in tema al carro
Written January 13, 2020
Ciao, tutti! Would you recommend staying in Viareggio for Carneval or is it too much of a party at night? I'm an active 60+ single female, and my party days are almost over. Almost! Grazie - thanks in advance.
Written November 20, 2019
Claudia R
Viareggio, Italy
Hi! If you want fully enjoy it, you should try the Carnevale in the afternoon and the night parties (Rioni) that take place in the weekend in the various quarters of the city. The most famous is Rione Darsena that is across the weekend of Martedì Grasso. My suggestion is too stay for the weekend up to Tuesday (martedì grasso) and enjoy the various parties in the city.
Written November 21, 2019
Carlotta T
Rho, Italy
I biglietti per il corso mascherato sono solo per le tribune o anche per la passeggiata lungo il corso?
Written March 2, 2019
ncaristi
Castiglione Della Pescaia, Italy
Salve, desideravo sapere dove è possibile alloggiare vicino Viareggio ( tutto pieno ) un posto bel collegato che è facilmente raggingibule la notte dopo la sfilata...grazie
Written February 28, 2019
Xmaflex
Province of Latina, Italy
Purtroppo credo che troverà tutto pieno. Cmq il lido di Camaiore è molto comodo e vicino.
Written February 28, 2019
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