Venice’s carnival — rich in fine costumes, larger-than-life parties and endless evenings — may get more global attention, but the festival in Tuscany’s Viareggio is well worth attending. The festival, first started in 1873, takes place through February and March, with processions held on Sundays and one on Fat Tuesday.
© Onigiriwords | Dreamstime
Be sure to purchase tickets to the parade at the Fondazione Carnevale on Piazza Mazzini. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in elaborate, imaginative costumes and masks. The Burlamacco, the official “creature” and mask of the Carnival in Viareggio (red-and-white-checkered suit with a pointed hat and long black cape) and is inspired by characters from Italian history like Harlequin, Balanzone, Pierrot and Rugantino.
© Marchesini62 | Dreamstime
Burlamacco’s float is followed by with masked females dubbed the “Ondina” in honor of Viareggio’s link with the water. Line up early along the parade route to get a great position to see the papier-mâché floats poking fun at social events and bringing to mind the region’s rich history. Looking to see more of the previous years’ masks? Head to the Museo del Carnevale for a peek at the giant walking masks used in past processions.
Read This Next
Ivrea, Italy, and the Battle of the Oranges
History
Jan 14, 2016#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Oct 23, 2026Ladurée Makes Hawai’i Debut at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
One of Paris' most iconic luxury brands, Ladurée arrives in Hawaiʻi for the first time this holiday season. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach today unveiled the full series of curated festive experiences and offerings featuring Ladurée, available throughout the 2026 holiday season.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Destinations / North America
Oct 23, 2026Huntington Beach is California’s First Sensory-Inclusive Destination
KultureCity, the world's leading nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility and acceptance, named Huntington Beach as California’s first Sensory Inclusive-certified destination.
North America
Oct 22, 2026Take a Rage-Therapy Retreat at This New York City Hotel
Rage rooms are all the hype right now, and rightfully so. It’s a form of therapy in itself, and the trend now extends beyond designated rooms to hospitality. One boutique lifestyle hotel in the heart of New York City’s Times Square recently partnered with Lower East Side-based rage room The Ragery, where guests can safely let their rage soar to different levels.
Sponsored Content
The Province That Surrounds Seoul — And Outshines It
Skip the Seoul Crowds. The Real Korea is in Gyeonggi.
Destinations / North America
Oct 22, 2026Stay in This Restored 1920s School Campus
In Fayetteville, West Virginia, you can now stay in what was once the town’s high school and middle school, thanks to the opening of Hill Hall Hotel. The 40-guestroom boutique property stretches out over the 1923 high school and Mid-Century middle school buildings, retaining some of the original architecture and layout, while updating amenities to meet modern travelers’ needs.
ShareThis