Events and Festivals in Italy
Whether it’s a local party or a massive national festival, nothing’s more frustrating than missing out on major events on your travels. To make sure you’re at the most exciting events in Italy check out the HostelBookers roundup of what’s happening when. We’ve got the lot covered!
Court Jester in Viareggio
Viareggio Carnival - Italy
When: 01 February 2010 - 28 March 2010
Viareggio is widely considered to be the home of the Italian Carnival by local residents. Held between January and February every year and with a history that dates back to 1873, it's one of the longest running festivals in the world.
The event follows the traditional carnival model with float processions and competitions for the better pieces. A mask called the Burlamacco (based on a red and white clown) is the town's official carnival guise.
But it's the appearance of huge papier-mâché puppets that provides the key idiosyncratic element to the carnival and really makes it unique. The sheer scale of these puppets has a profound effect on visitors, and it's impossible not to marvel at the designs and the hard work that’s been put into them.
