Which Italian Carnival is known for its giant papier-mache floats on the Tuscan coast?

The Italian Carnival known for giant papier-mâché floats on the Tuscan coast is the Viareggio Carnival. It takes place in Viareggio, a seaside city in Tuscany, with parades along the coastal promenade.

The modern carnival began in 1873, when local residents organized a parade of flower-decorated floats. In 1883, the first winning float depicted Livorno’s Four Moors statue. Papier-mâché became central in 1925, when sculptor Antonio d’Arliano introduced a technique using moulds, iron, and wooden scaffolding.

The floats are famous for satirical portrayals of politicians, celebrities, and public issues. Their workshops are concentrated at the Cittadella del Carnevale, opened in 2001. Visitors sometimes confuse Viareggio with Venice Carnival, but Venice is chiefly associated with historic masks and costume balls, not Tuscany’s enormous moving allegorical floats.