Water, tons of newspaper, flour glue. And then colors, plasters, clay, gears and mechanisms proven to amaze the viewer, as in a continuous passage of theatrical performances that send deep messages. THE Viareggio Carnivalamong the best known and most historic in the panorama linked to the masked celebrations of Mardi Gras, is the result of creative thinking which takes shape in industrious hands.
There Citadel, headquarters of the masked courts on the outskirts of the city, is the place where the tanks are physically born. In these sixteen hangars specifically used for the creation of mobile monumental works that parade along the Viareggio seafront, among Art Nouveau buildings and historic baths. It is precisely in these workshops that the outline of the wagon takes shape.
Discovering the carnival citadel of Viareggio
The master chariot driver, for at least six months a year, devotes himself to the papier-mâché giants and the movements to be recreated. The sketch of the tank and the meaning that often follows the pressing topical theme are presented in July.
From that moment on, work begins in the workshops where marvelous worlds are born: shapes, paintings, metal structures that build the skeletons of dinosaurs, mammoths that return from melting glaciers and gigantic icons of culture contemporary like Salvador Dalì or Alda Merini. .
A profession, that of master chariot driver of Viareggio, which has been passed down for generations. Several families have continued the tradition for decades, involving new generations. Jacopo Allegrucci, is the reigning champion. Throughout the year, he takes care of installations and scenography, but at least five months are devoted to creating the float for the Carnival masquerade classes.
He won the 2022 editions and the 150th edition last year. This year showcases the rough seas of adolescence today. We intercept it during the last finishing brush strokes before the tank leaves the hangar. “The idea came to me in May, thanks to my children. On the cart I represent the dangers of adolescence. The protagonist, a boy with a telescope searching for his future, is in the middle of the sea of life.
Some figures to give an idea of the gigantism of these works: five months of work; average 30 tons of paper carry them out; characters who reach the 20 meters highand the enlistment of 200 participants by wagon who perform choreographies on the ground and on board.
The hours preceding the parade are those of adjustments. You control gears, ropes that move waves, trees, giant horses, holes. Teamwork and sharing, like that of Brothers Breschi, Massimo and Alessandrowho interpret, with papier-mâché and rave music, the theme of addiction.
We join them as they check that a gigantic white widow is climbing correctly on top of the cart. “We wanted to highlight the future of young people, who are often fragile and prone to falling into the network of drugs that poison their hopes.”
Espace Gilbert, the Carnival archives
An ancient treasure kept in the rooms of Carnival Museum, inside the Citadel, where you can discover models and works by famous artists such as Enrico Prampolini and Uberto Bonetti. To see a true archive of cult pieces from previous editions which have left their mark, however, you must cross the threshold ofhangar number 16, Espace Gilbert.
There you will find some models, posters from recent and historic editions, a gigantic papier-mâché dancer, the first protagonist of an allegorical float with choreography of iconic characters and pieces, as well as educational workshops to learn the art of job.
Next parades of the Viareggio Carnival 2024
During the masked routes, the nine first category floats, the four second category floats, eight group masks and eight isolated masks parade.
The next masked classes of the Viareggio Carnival will take place: Tuesday 13, Sunday 18 and Saturday 24 Februarywith the closing of the event and the announcement of the winner of the 2024 edition. Various workshops for children, and the Kinder village by the sea, where you can participate in tasty games.
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Kinder is a partner of the Viareggio Carnival foundation, and organizer of the only entertainment area for children, who represent a quarter of Carnival visitors. Little ones can try their hand at the piñata game and win generous chocolate prizes.
For all the details, also read Viareggio Carnival 2024 guide: dates, times and tickets
