Lucca in Maschera
The widespread Carnival of Lucca, across the Walls, squares, and Viareggio floats
About Lucca in Maschera
The Carnival that embraces all of Lucca
Founded in 2023 by the municipal administration, Lucca in Maschera has established itself in just a few editions as one of the most beloved winter events in the city. It is not just a single event, but a true widespread Carnival that for over a month brings the historic center, the squares, and the scenic urban Walls of Lucca to life, in the heart of Tuscany, in the province of Lucca.
The Eurocarnevale and the papier-mâché of Viareggio
The most spectacular opening moment is the Eurocarnevale, the grand international parade that brings hundreds of performers from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, and Italy to Lucca, featuring choreography, costumes, and traditional Guggenmusik. What makes the event unique is the collaboration with the Viareggio Carnival Foundation: the gigantic papier-mâché creations that have made the Viareggio Carnival famous are displayed in the city's main squares, from Piazza Napoleone to Piazza San Michele, while the grand parade of allegorical floats travels through the historic center, attracting thousands of visitors.
A festival for all ages
Lucca in Maschera is designed primarily for families: children's parties in Piazza San Michele, with masks, games, stilt walkers, and confetti, mark the festive Sundays, while workshops, street performances, and entertainment accompany both young and old. There is no shortage of evenings for adults, including grand gala dances, Italian music DJ sets, and concerts, making for a rich and varied program.
Tradition and identity
The event recovers and relaunches the Lucchese Carnival tradition, intertwining it with the Viareggio Carnival, one of the most famous in Italy and Europe. For an entire month, Lucca thus becomes an open-air stage where history, the art of papier-mâché, and popular participation merge, offering residents and tourists an authentically Tuscan experience.
Lucca in Maschera — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Lucca in Maschera, the fourth of the event, enlivened the historic center of Lucca for nearly a month, from January 24th to February 22nd. The widespread Carnival formula was confirmed, with papier-mâché displays from the Viareggio Carnival in the main squares and a busy calendar of events for all ages, organized by the Municipality of Lucca in synergy with the Viareggio Carnival Foundation.
Programme Lucca in Maschera 2026
Saturday, January 24th — Eurocarnevale
- Around 2:30 PM — Departure of the international Eurocarnevale parade from the Caffè delle Mura square, with over 800 performers from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, and Italy, concluding in Piazza Anfiteatro.
From January 24th to February 24th
- Papier-mâché displays from the Viareggio Carnival in the main squares of the historic center (Piazza Napoleone, San Michele, Santa Maria, del Giglio).
Saturday, February 7th
- 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM — Children's Party in Piazza San Michele.
Sunday, February 8th — Viareggio Carnival Parade
- Grand parade of allegorical floats from Porta Sant'Anna to Piazza San Michele, with godmother Katia Buchicchio (Miss Italia 2025).
- Shows in Piazza Napoleone and a mask contest at the Ice Park.
Saturday, February 14th
- Allegra Baccanata: widespread party in the outdoor seating areas and squares of the center.
- 8:00 PM — Maschere in Ballo - Grand Gala at Villa Bottini, dance evening with aperitif (€20 entry).
- 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM — Children's Party in Piazza San Michele.
Friday, February 20th
- Balla Italia in Piazza Anfiteatro: Italian music DJ set (free entry).
Saturday, February 21st
- Concert by Amedeo Minghi at the Auditorium San Romano (free entry with reservation at the Teatro del Giglio).
- 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM — Children's Party in Piazza San Michele.
Sunday, February 22nd
- CarnevalFratta in Piazza San Francesco: street art, theater, live music, and mask workshops.
Highlights Lucca in Maschera 2026
Prices Lucca in Maschera 2026
Practical information — Lucca in Maschera
How to get there
Lucca is easily accessible by train (Lucca station on the Florence-Viareggio-Pisa line), just a short walk from the Walls. By car, take the Lucca Est or Lucca Ovest exit on the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway; on parade days, it is recommended to use the parking lots outside the Walls.
Tickets
Most events are free and open to the public. Some evening appointments (such as the grand gala at Villa Bottini) require a fee; some concerts are free but require mandatory reservation.
Information
Municipality of Lucca – Tourism Office, tel. +39 0583 44231, [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Lucca in Maschera
Centro storico e Mura di Lucca