Viareggio is only about an hour away from Bagni di Lucca, so it would be silly not to go to Carnevale. It is a mad crush of people, strollers, dogs, the occasional cat and the most wonderful floats. Here is a small selection.
As you can see politicians come in for some pretty fierce criticism. Berlusconi still features heavily and Mario Monte made a few appearances.
People love to dress up to come to Carnevale.
It starts early.
I was covered with confetti at one stage and a large bird was making for my head in this photo.
Carnevale is on again next Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th March. The parades start at 3.00pm but you can go to the area earlier to see the floats before they start to move. Tickets cost €15. Go early to get a car park.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
Love it! Your picture looks wonderful too!
Wow, this is spectacular! Wish I was there. You need to make one of these images into a postcard and send it to all your friends.
I have so many more photos….there will be more soon on Bagni di Lucca and Beyond.
Wow!!!! You’re absolutely right!!!! We must get to Italy in February some time. Carnevale in Viareggio looks fabulous!!! Have a ball!!
We’ve also been told we should spend New Year in Viareggio.
Thanks for the lovely photos.
I went last year as well. It is a lot of fun.
Just spectacular Debra!!! Such colour. I’ve heard Viareggio have the best floats in Italy. Now I know for sure. I went to a much smaller parade for carnevale in Marciano in rural Umbria. I was still finding coriandoli in my handbag even after I got back to Australia!! I hope you were spared the shaving cream!
I got the shaving cream treatment last year. There is a photo of me on the blog with foam all over my face. The floats were spectacular last year as well. Berlusconi came in for some heavy treatment. I did several posts on the Carnevale. It has its own category on Bagni di Lucca and Beyond.
great photos.
Thank you. There were so many great things to photograph.
Superb photos, and a lovely one of you caught in such a natural moment.
Rosi took that. We had a great time.
Great photos, Debra and I love the outrageous and disrespectful floats. This is the tradition. The little shopper is delightful.
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