From 2025-07-13 09:00 to 2025-07-19 21:00Venue: Italian PavilionThe Viareggio Carnival is much more than a celebration: it is one of the most renowned in Italy and Europe, an explosion of folk art, satire, spectacle, and collective identity. Born in 1873 from a spontaneous parade of decorated carriages along the seafront, it has evolved into a major cultural festival, animated by monumental papier-mâché creations that give form and color to the spirit of the times.
A tradition born from the people and for the people, where the artisanal mastery of the carristi, inheritors of local shipbuilding traditions, blends with contemporary creativity. Thanks to their skills, since 1925, papier-mâché has become a living material for satire, visual poetry, and social commentary, transforming floats into mobile monuments, symbols of creative Tuscany and of Viareggio’s deep bond with the sea.
During Tuscany Week at EXPO 2025 Osaka, the Viareggio Carnival brings its universal message: art is a regenerative, liberating, and vital force. On stage and throughout the Italian Pavilion, iconic masks, visual performances, and creative workshops will engage international visitors in a journey through emotion, dreams, and wonder. A presence perfectly aligned with the values of the week “Tuscany, Never-ending Renaissance”, celebrating cultural evolution as a living and shared expression.
Scheduled Events
17 & 19 July | 18:00–18:30 | Amphitheater
The Time of Wonder + The True Face of Humanity
“The Time of Wonder” tells the story of the Carnival’s art, history, and identity, highlighting its regenerative artistic power. Followed by “The True Face of Humanity”, a poetic performance with masks and papier-mâché figures, exploring fragility, irony, and hope.
14–19 July | Daily performances | Area in front of the Pavilion
Flash Mobs with Viareggio Carnival Costumes
Musical and visual performances animate the exterior of the Pavilion. Artists in costume fill the space with vibrant energy, welcoming the public into a festive and immersive atmosphere.
- 14 July | 17:00–17:30
- 15 July | 17:00–17:30
- 16 July | 17:00–17:30
- 17 July | 18:30–19:00
- 18 July | 17:00–17:30
- 19 July | 18:30–19:00
Creative Workshops | Multipurpose Hall (Auditorium)
Three interactive stations to engage adults and children with the Carnival’s magical world:
- Cut Out Burlamacco and Ondina: a collage activity inspired by the Carnival’s iconic masks and the famous 1931 poster.
- Make Your Own Tanzaku: a symbolic bridge between Tuscany and Japan, with wishes written on paper strips in the spirit of the Japanese tradition.
- Traditional Paper Casting Workshop: hands-on session to create small artworks using the same casting technique used by the master artisans.
On Friday, July 11th from 6:00 PM, it will be possible to register for the events of Tuscany Region’s week at EXPO 2025 Osaka.
Below are the registration procedures:
1. Download the official app
Search for and install the “Italy Expo 2025 – Official App” on your smartphone (available on App Store and Google Play).
2. Open the app and click on the “Calendar” icon
The icon is located in the center of the bottom bar.
3. Choose the event
Scroll and select the event you wish to attend.
4. Click on “Book the event”
An external page will automatically open.
5. You will be redirected to Eventbrite
The system will take you directly to the booking platform.
6. Confirm your participation
Press “Book” on Eventbrite and follow the instructions to complete the registration.
