Lucca in Maschera

Now in its 150th edition this year, it will in fact make a special stop in Lucca.

Carnevale di Viareggio, which every year exhibits spectacular masks and impressive allegorical floats, owes its origins to Lucca. 
 
It was in fact the distant February 25, 1873 when a group of bourgeois and aristocrats from Lucca decided to organize a parade on the occasion of the carnival through the streets of Viareggio. 
 
In the alleys and neighborhoods of the city, some carriages adorned with flowers paraded, to the amazement and wonder of the citizens. 
 
Since that day, a Shrove Tuesday, the event has not stopped. Re-proposed every year by the organizers, it has quickly crossed national borders to attract tourists and enthusiasts from all over the world for decades now. 
 
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the first edition, Carnevale di Viareggio will therefore move to Lucca, ready to welcome it with a program full of events.  

Lucca in Maschera includes numerous initiatives, all located in the historic center of the city, surrounded by medieval walls. 
 
The inauguration will be held on Friday 3 February at 5 pm, with the opening of the exhibition "Lucca, stories of carriages and Carnivals" under the loggia of Palazzo Pretorio. 
 
At 8.30 pm, Cristina D'Avena and the Gem Boy will perform in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. 
 
The next day, in Piazza San Michele, it will be the turn of games, music and entertainment for the little ones. There will be plenty of opportunities to refresh yourself, thanks to the local pastry shops that will offer children the typical carnival sweets free of charge. 
 
The Allegra Baccanata is staged on the evening of Saturday 4 February. The commercial activities of the center will be the protagonists, which will organize carnival-themed games and shows. 
 
Sunday 5 February the review closes with a grand finale. Floats, masks and extras coming directly from Viareggio will parade in the splendid setting of the Walls of Lucca. 
 
In the evening, at the end of the three-day celebration, there will be a tordellata organized by some restaurateurs in Piazza San Francesco. It will be possible to taste the tordelli, meat ravioli typical of the Lucca culinary tradition. 
 
The artist Manolo Strimpelli will take care of accompanying the last day of the event, who will perform in concert. 
 
 
Don't miss Lucca in Maschera, the free event that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Carnevale di Viareggio. Experience the magic of the parade of masks and allegorical floats: book now your stay at the Hotel Ilaria, in the historic center of Lucca, a few steps away from the most exciting events.