At Viareggio, Carnival is not only about celebration, confetti, and masks. It is an open stage on our time. From 1 February 2026 the seaside boulevards turn once again into an open-air theatre, where the huge allegorical floats parade in all their colours — and, above all, full of meaning.
Behind every float lies a year of work inside the large hangars of the Cittadella del Carnevale, where master builders shape papier-mâché and turn it into a true visual language: ironic, satirical, sometimes sharp, always deeply contemporary. This is what makes the Viareggio Carnival different from all the others: it does not only celebrate the festival, it tells the story of society.
Strong and universal themes in the 2026 edition
The floats of 2026 bring to the parade themes of strong relevance and reflection. Words such as war, global power, the illusion of easy success, violence and environmental crisis become visual narratives that take shape in front of the Versilia sea. There is also a reflection on the value of the present, on unfinished peace and on the contradictions of a world that runs fast and often forgets what truly matters.
Every float is a statement. Papier-mâché becomes political satire, social criticism, shared emotion. Giant figures, lights and music make people smile and think at the same time. This is a Carnival that amuses, but does not stop at entertainment: it invites us to look around, recognise the challenges of our age and feel part of a community.
February in Viareggio: a territory to discover
In Viareggio, February means winter light over the sea, parades, and a whole city that lives Carnival as identity and as a critical gaze on the present. But Carnival is not only something to see — it is something to experience.
It is also one of the best moments to discover Versilia: many visitors come for Carnival, fall in love with the area, and decide to return; some even choose to live here or invest in a seaside home. Culture, tradition, quality of life and natural beauty walk hand in hand in this part of Tuscany.
The Viareggio Carnival remains much more than an event: between dream and disillusion, it is a unique way to tell who we are today, through the poetic power of papier-mâché.
Viareggio Carnival 2026 – when and where
Viareggio becomes a citywide celebration, with giant floats, masks, museums and the Cittadella del Carnevale.
Main float parades (“Corsi Mascherati”) will take place on:
- 1 February – opening parade with fireworks
- 7 February – night parade
- 12 February – “Giovedì Grasso”, night parade
- 15 February – afternoon parade
- 17 February – “Martedì Grasso”
- 21 February – final parade and awards ceremony
Main locations
- Seafront promenade of Viareggio
- Cittadella del Carnevale: Via Santa Maria Goretti 5
Entrance gates
- Viale Margherita (harbour side)
- Piazza Mazzini
- Via Vespucci
- Via Saffi
- Viale Marconi (north side)
From 13 to 17 February 2026 the Darsena district of Viareggio will also be one of the centres of Carnival celebrations with Carnevaldarsena, five evenings of music, masks and traditions linked to the sea and fishing.
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