The magic of the Viareggio Carnival returns this summer with three free-admission events taking place between the Pineta di Ponente and the Cittadella del Carnevale. Three special opportunities for visitors to experience once again the spectacular papier-mâché creations and the artists who bring the Carnival to life
25 July – Winning Floats at the Cittadella del Carnevale
The summer programme opens on Saturday 25 July at the Cittadella del Carnevale, where the award-winning floats from the latest edition of the Viareggio Carnival will take centre stage once again.
On display will be La Gallina Dalle Uova D’Oro by Alessandro Avanzini, I Samurai Del Potere by Luigi Bonetti, the First Category winner In Bocca al Lupo by Luca Bertozzi, and the Second Category winner Native American Return by Fabrizio and Valentina Galli.
From 9.00 pm, the giant papier-mâché creations will come alive with lights, movement and choreography in a spectacular show set in the very heart of the Carnival’s creative workshops.
The evening will begin with entertainment for all ages, including jugglers, musicians, games and family activities. The celebrations will also feature performances by the Filarmonica Versilia, the official Carnival band, and the Pedrasamba percussion group, accompanying the Carnival’s iconic costumed characters, Burlamacco and Ondina, into the main square of the Cittadella.
1 August – Carnival Puppet Parade Through the Pineta
The second event takes place on Saturday 1 August, from 5.00 pm, in the Pineta di Ponente, where the 2026 edition’s group masquerades and single puppets will parade once again along Viale Cadorna and Viale Capponi.
Joining them will be marching bands, the official Carnival mascottes Burlamacco and Ondina, together with the traditional masks representing Viareggio’s neighbourhood districts, creating a festive afternoon that brings the unmistakable atmosphere of the Carnival back to one of the city’s most iconic green spaces.
10 August – Sketches Night: A First Look at the 2027 Carnival
On Monday 10 August, the Cittadella del Carnevale will host the traditional Sketches Night (Notte dei Bozzetti), the eagerly anticipated event unveiling the designs for the floats and creations that will feature in the 2027 Viareggio Carnival.
The Carnival artists will take to the stage to reveal the ideas, themes and artistic visions behind next year’s spectacular creations in a show combining choreography, costumes, music and multimedia projections.
All events are free to attend.
For the two events taking place at the Cittadella del Carnevale, the Carnival Museum will also be open to visitors from 8.00 pm until midnight.