Viareggio Carnival: an experience to experience at least once in a lifetime

Once again this year, with its 151st edition, one of the most striking and unmissable events on the Tuscan calendar is about to begin.

We are, of course, talking about the Viareggio Carnival, an event that blends in historical, cultural traditions, satire and irreverence without ever neglecting the creative and artistic aspect of the most famous master carristi who embellish real masterpieces with wheels to the delight of young and old alike.

Viareggio Carnival 2024: how does it work?

Six classic masked parades will take place from Feb. 3 to 24, 2024, in the sunny "pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea," the Versilia town famous for its elegant bathing establishments, Art Nouveau villas, festive atmosphere, and that authentic, somewhat retro flavor associated with the long summer vacations of yesteryear, the fishermen selling their best fish on the harbor, the lights and ice cream on the famous promenade in the evening.

In short, Viareggio remains the undisputed icon of a tourism-even international tourism-that has strongly characterized Tuscany for so many years, also by virtue of the glittering carnival event, a moment of joy and pure fun for children and young people, but also of social and political reflection, where each float always launches a message to make people think, to provoke a reaction, to think...together.

Edition number 151: what to expect?

During this edition of the Viareggio Carnival, 9 floats will parade in the first category, 4 in the second, followed by 8 group masquerades and as many isolated masks.

If you have never experienced this event, there is no better opportunity to book it. The 151st edition is really promising: the reigning winner, Jacopo Allegrucci, with his float - work of art wanted to pay homage to the famous writer of "Go where your heart takes you," Susanna Tamaro.

And then artificial intelligence, Salvador Dali, Jurassic Park all the way to one of the last great Italian poets of the 20th century, Alda Merini: many-and all very stimulating-suggestions addressed in the allegorical and creative representation of the floats that will parade in the promenade.

Palazzo Castri goes to Viareggio: find out how

Viareggio is just 100 km from Florence and can be conveniently reached in about one hour and thirty minutes either by car or train.

If you choose this second option, in just a 5-minute walk from Palazzo Castri you can arrive directly at Florence's central train station (Santa Maria Novella) and take advantage of one of several possible daily combinations to reach Viareggio either via the direct line (Lucca) or with a change in Pisa if you would like to make a stop to also visit the city of the leaning tower.

By car, on the other hand, via the A11/E76 highway, the route is easy and comfortable. Passing through Pistoia, Montecatini, and Lucca, you will arrive at your destination without even realizing it, immersed in landscapes that slowly change flowing directly in front of the Tyrrhenian Sea that will suddenly open to your eyes.

Here at Palazzo Castri we have come up with special offers related to the possibility of staying in our facility and visiting the Viareggio Carnival, an unmissable combo to maximize your stay while enjoying a unique and unrepeatable experience.

Want to learn about our proposals? Click here.