Carnival of Viareggio
Carnival of 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.
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Carnival of Viareggio and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
569 within 3 miles
Attractions
248 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
306 reviews
Excellent
223
Very good
56
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
14
Dario M
Reano, Italy95 contributions
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.
Roving14893579756
1 contribution
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.
Claudia R
Viareggio, Italy11 contributions
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.
Ciaonina
NY NY174 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
OK, so I have never been to Carnevale in Venice but most folks I know have at least heard of it. Not so for Viareggio but I had seen some pictures of previous Carnevale parade floats and I was attracted by the combination of art and politics. I was not disappointed. The floats are huge in size and in creativity. The themes include the obvious (at least 3 Donald Trumps ranging from baby to toddler to the down-right scary "Pa-Drone") and the abstract / allegorical. Much commentary on the environment, notably a giant whale covered in plastic garbage. If you want to get an idea for yourself google Il Pa-Drone Viareggio or Carnevale di Viareggio Whale for youtube videos. Of course the floats will be different next year but with Trump running for re-election and the environment in even worse trouble I imagine these themes will continue to be addressed.
The parades are very well organized, the crowds are primarily Italian families in costume, and the town, the promenade, the whole experience is absolutely amazing.
The parades are very well organized, the crowds are primarily Italian families in costume, and the town, the promenade, the whole experience is absolutely amazing.
Written June 16, 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.
TravelEnjoyIt
Delray Beach, FL96 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
Fantastic place small town with a wonderful feel. The town and Carnival is a big deal. Colorful and strong its a fun time for all.
Written May 8, 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.
piriot
Stresa, Italy642 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Not yet too crambed. Special paper mache masks so huge they could cover four stories of the houses by the avenue. Fantastic atmosphere, people were there with children, many wearing costumes or masks. The burlamacco-presentations were mini shows going along the road slowly.
Written March 6, 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.
bfindysz
Jerusalem District, Israel655 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Came to Italy to tour a bit and see some of the carnivals. Went to Venice and Verona. But Viareggio's was by far the most exciting, organized, professional and crowd-friendly.
Written March 3, 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.
StayFocused StayCalm
India260 contributions
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.
BlueTravels
Jacksonville, FL449 contributions
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, UK182 contributions
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.
zaida-wi
Province of Valencia, Spain9 contributions
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
jonnyp84
Follonica, Italy51 contributions
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
Ily 7
Viareggio, Italy44 contributions
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
Kikki4
Rome, Italy128 contributions
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?
massim01947
Viareggio, Italy49 contributions
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.
Leocingoli
Cingoli, Italy34 contributions
Volevo sapere se dai carri vengono lanciati dolci o oggetti come in altri Carnevali
Ily 7
Viareggio, Italy44 contributions
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
bhrousect
Baltimore37 contributions
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.
Claudia R
Viareggio, Italy11 contributions
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.
Carlotta T
Rho, Italy1 contribution
I biglietti per il corso mascherato sono solo per le tribune o anche per la passeggiata lungo il corso?
j0hn086
Ciampino, Italy1,689 contributions
Ciao anche per il corso è obbligatorio il biglietto.
ncaristi
Castiglione Della Pescaia, Italy34 contributions
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
Xmaflex
Province of Latina, Italy592 contributions
Purtroppo credo che troverà tutto pieno. Cmq il lido di Camaiore è molto comodo e vicino.
ncaristi
Castiglione Della Pescaia, Italy34 contributions
Salve mi consigliare un albergo dove si vede il carnevale?
Alessandropolito1974
Curti, Italy54 contributions
Sul lungomare ci sono numerosi alberghi ove passa la sfilata dei carri però credo che dovrai prenotare molto in anticipo
Carnival of Viareggio - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Carnival of Viareggio
- We recommend booking Carnival of Viareggio tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Carnival of Viareggio tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Carnival of Viareggio:
- (0.01 mi) Hotel President
- (0.03 mi) Viareggio Promenade - Sea View Apartment
- (0.03 mi) Viareggio Promenade - Boutique Apartments
- (0.05 mi) Hotel Dolly
- (0.11 mi) Casa Arsella
- Restaurants near Carnival of Viareggio:
- (0.03 mi) Cafe Fappani
- (0.05 mi) Ristorante La Pia
- (0.04 mi) Ristorante del Bagno Artiglio
- (0.08 mi) Perla Del Tirreno
- (0.15 mi) Villa Grazia