The 2027 Viareggio Carnival has six parades, from January 30 to February 20, and each one lasts about three hours. To enjoy it without rushing, arrive the day before, have your ticket ready and stay close to the route, so you can take a warm break between floats. Here are the dates, a typical parade day and answers to the most common questions.
2027 parade dates
| Parade | Day | Start |
|---|---|---|
| 1st, opening, followed by fireworks | Saturday, January 30 | 4 pm |
| 2nd, evening parade (Fat Thursday) | Thursday, February 4 | 5 pm |
| 3rd | Sunday, February 7 | 3 pm |
| 4th (Mardi Gras) | Tuesday, February 9 | 3 pm |
| 5th | Sunday, February 14 | 3 pm |
| 6th, closing, with the winners and fireworks | Saturday, February 20 | 4 pm |
Source: official Viareggio Carnival website, read on October 19, 2026. Always check the official program before you travel.
A typical parade day, hour by hour
- The day before: arrive and settle in. On parade days traffic is rerouted and parking gets scarce, so arriving on the morning of the parade is the hardest option. The train is easier: Viareggio station is 1.3 km from the promenade, about a 17-minute walk.
- Morning: the promenade, at your own pace. The sea in winter, a coffee, a stroll along the seafront before the party starts.
- An early lunch. Eat without rushing, so you can enter the route calmly.
- Before the start: your ticket. During the parades the route is ticketed, and everyone needs a ticket, even guests staying inside it.
- The parade, about three hours. The floats roll along the seafront, with loud music and masked groups. If you’re staying on the route, a break at home is just steps away.
- Evening. On January 30 and February 20 the parade ends with fireworks; on February 20 the winning floats are also announced. The February 4 parade is an evening one, starting at 5 pm.
With kids
- Children up to 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) tall get in free.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed in the parade area but not on the grandstands; grandstand ticket holders can leave them nearby.
- The music is very loud: for little ones, an indoor break helps.
Where to stay to do it all on foot
The closer you stay to the route, the less you depend on cars and schedules. Suite Carducci Viareggio is at Viale Carducci 15, on the promenade, and the floats pass right in front of the building. Step out the front door and you’re already among the floats; for a break, home is just steps away. Up to 6 guests, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms: comfortable for a family or a group of friends.
We don’t have private parking, but we’ll help you find a space: details are in our Viareggio parking guide. Guests staying with us also need a Carnival ticket: message us before you buy it and we’ll advise you. Dates, times and all our tips are on the Viareggio Carnival 2027 page.
FAQ
How long does a parade last?
About three hours.
If I stay on the route, do I need a ticket?
Yes: during the parades everyone needs a ticket, including guests staying inside the route.
Which parade should I choose?
The first and the last end with fireworks; the Thursday, February 4 parade takes place in the evening; Mardi Gras is February 9.
When should I arrive?
The day before the parade, never on the morning of the parade.
Check your dates
Parade nights are worth planning early: check availability.
Sources: official Viareggio Carnival website and FAQ, read on October 19, 2026.
