The annual Viareggio Carnival, famous for its gigantic satirical floats carrying 20 meter-high papier-machè figures of leading politicians and personalities in the news, was launched with a spectacular firework display and a grand parade on Sunday 31 st January. An estimated 60,000 people were out on the streets of Tuscany resort to watch the 17 decorated floats file past. Leading Figures in this years edition are Obama, Berlusconi (featured as Edward Scissorhands) and Michael Jackson. A team of Chinese dancers also participated with a pocket version of the Dragon Dance performed at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The festive parade, accompanied by hundreds of masked and costumed participants, will be staged throughout February, on the 7 th, 14 th, 16 th and 21 st.
The Viareggio Carnival is, however, only one of hundreds of similar events that take part all over Italy in the 40 days preceding Lent. Many have developed from ancient rituals to celebrate the end of winter and involve entire communities. Among the most fascinating are the Sartiglia of Oristano (Sardinia) where knights on magnificently caparisoned horses compete in a joust, and Muggia (Trieste) where citizens decked out in strings of vegetables and flowers dance at the Vegetable Ball.
For information: www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
