Statue of Burlamacco Tours and Activities

Statue of Burlamacco
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This eccentric sculpture of a caped clown has become a colourful icon along the picturesque waterfront of Viareggio, keeping the carnival spirit alive year-round.

The Statue of Burlamacco is a colourful sculpture of a smiling clown that embraces the spirit of Viareggio’s carnival. It stands on one foot, in red-and-white attire and arms spread wide above its head. A black cape and red hat complete the look of the clown, who reminds visitors of the Carnival of Viareggio that takes place in winter. Although it only lasts for a few weeks per year, its unofficial mascot keeps the city’s carnival essence alive.

The carnival dates back as far as 1873, before gradually developing into an internationally acclaimed event over the following century.

The idea for the clown derived from a competition held in 1931 to see who could design the best city mascot for the carnival. Local artist Uberto Bonetti won the contest after cunningly basing the clown’s colours on the red-and-white umbrellas scattered around the Viareggio beaches. Note the mascot’s name, Burlamacco, is a reference to the Burlamacca canal that crosses the city. The clown is now a permanent statue on the city’s waterfront.

Join the thousands of visitors who head to Viareggio every winter to take part in the fun of the carnival. It is held annually on four Sundays in a row in February. See giant floats that resemble celebrated personalities, such as politicians, entertainers and historic figures.

Learn about the floats, which sometimes take many months to build and carry more than 100 passengers. Go to La Citadella di Carnevale to see where the exceptional vehicles are designed and manufactured. Make your way to the Museo del Carnevale to find out more about the intriguing history and artworks entwined with the carnival.

There are other entertaining spectacles during the carnival apart from the parade. Gaze up at spectacular fireworks displays, attend traditional masked balls and dine along the promenade with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Look out for special carnival menus.

The Statue of Burlamacco is situated on the western coast of Viareggio.

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