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The Burlamacco - Official Mask of the Carnival of Viareggio

In a few days the famous Carnival of Viareggio 2010 will begin. The carnival in Viareggio is one of the greatest masked parades in Italy. The official calendar for this year’s carnival is: 31st of January, 7th and 14th of February (Sundays), 16th of February (Tuesday) and 21th of February (Sunday). The parade starts at 3.00 p.m. (and at 5.00 p.m. on the 21st of February).
Every Saturday before the carnival in Piazza Mazzini and at the Natural Commercial Center you’ll find entertainers, artists and music for both adults and children.

The Viareggio Carnival is really spectacular both for all ages. One of its unique characteristics are the giant Carnival floats in paper mache, even 20 meters tall, that parade along the seaside avenues of Viareggio, known as La Passeggiata of Corso Mazzini. These giant carts are built over several months, hard work that follows the ancient technique of the construction of sailing ships. Viareggio is known around the world for its workmanship in realizing sailing ships and yachts. Read Full Post »

December was a successful month for Florentine Museums. A local newspaper reported that in the past month, after a difficult year, museums in Florence have finally registered a relevant growth of visitors.

The most visited museums were the Uffizi Gallery and the Medici Chapels, but also the National Museum of Bargello and Davanzati Palace, recently reopened.
A great result also for the current exhibition “Artful Deception” – “Inganni ad arte” at Palazzo Strozzi till January 24. It displays several works of modern and contemporary art by European artists showing the phenomenal trompe-l’oeil technique.

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