Viareggio | February 5 -12 -18 -26 – 28
The coastal town of Viareggio is the undisputed Carnival capital of Tuscany. Since 1873 the festival has grown into one of the largest carnival celebrations of Italy, and the final Mardigrass parade is always broadcasted live on national television (RAI 3).
Each year over 600.000 spectators watch the masked parades on the seaside boulevard and enjoy the colorful floats in papier-maché. The party continues into the night in the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels.
The parades take place on February 5 -12 -18 -26 -28 with fireworks at the end on the 18th and the Mardigrass parade on the 28th.
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Follonica | February 12 -19 -26
The Carnival of Follonica is the second most important of Tuscany after Viareggio. This year for the 50th edition you can expect an extra special parade through the streets of the coastal town in the province of Grosseto. Numerous locals work the whole year to create the impressive Carnival floats and beautiful masks.
The parades with floats will take place on February 12 – 19 and 26 starting at 2.30pm in Viale Carducci.
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Foiano delle Chiana | February 5 – 12 – 19 – 26 and March 5
The oldest carnival of Italy is in its 478th edition and takes place in Foiano delle Chiana in the province of Arezzo.
Four large floats created by the four quarters of the historic town – who for centuries have competed with each other – will be paraded through the streets on February 5 – 12 – 19 – 26 and March 5.
The parade is led by King Giocondo, represented as a rag and straw puppet, an archaic symbol through which the peasant culture glorifies revival, celebrating the disappearance of darkness, and of the past. During the last day of celebration, it is burned in the main square of Foiano in a spectacular ceremony.
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