Folkloric and Cultural Events in Versilia
Versilia, one of the most popular seaside resorts in Tuscany is a region rich in history and traditions, riviving every year in the numerous folkloric events that brighten this part of Tuscany and attract thousands of tourists.
The Carnival of Viareggio is certainly Versilia`s most renowned folkloric event, but other events are worth a mention, such as the Palio dei Micci in Querceta (a donkey race), the Baldorie di pinugliori in Viareggio (bonfires of pine-needles) and the Living Manger-Scene in Pruno di Stazzema
Those who love opera cannot miss Puccini Festival, taking place every year in Torre del Lago, whereas the Teatro La Versiliana and the Cittadella del Carnevale have a rich program of concerts and theatricals.
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| Carnival of Viareggio - The tradition of the Viareggio Carnival has historic roots and dates to the 19th cent. The first masked parade was held in 1873 along the Via Regia, but in 1921 it moved on the sea front boulevards. Ever since its beginning, huge allegorical floats have been the main characteristic of the event, built by artists known as the wizards of papier maché. Constructors are capable of achieving these huge works of art often having a base as large as 50 square metres ... Carnival of Viareggio |
| | Puccini Festival - Created in 1930, the Puccini Festival is an event unique in the world, during which the most illustrious and applauded opera singers in the world celebrate the famous Tuscan composer. Every year the most renowned opera singers appear in the "Nuovo Grande Teatro", immersed in a wonderful setting, unique in Europe, offering to the audience fascinating performances in one of the most suggestive natural scenery in the world ... Puccini Festival |
| | Palio dei micci - Querceta "Palio dei micci" was born in the early 16th century. In 1513, Pope Leo X assigned Versilia to Florence thus bringing to an end a long period of struggles that had involved Lucca Florence and Pisa On this occasion, the inhabitants of Querceta rallied in the so-called "bosco del buon riposo" (good rest forest) and organized a feast that ended with a horse and donkey race. The historical cortège, accompanied by flag-flyers exhibitions and music, and some ad-lib plays taking inspiration from historical events precede the race. Eight donkeys ("miccio" is the dialectal word for donkey) representing ... Palio dei micci |
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