Burlamacco is the most popular figure of the Viareggio Carnevale in Tuscany. Burlamacco is
giant clown-like papier mache figure and the official mascot and symbol of the Viareggio
Carnevale. Artist Uberto Bonetti imagined and crafted Burlamacco to life in 1930. Inspired by
improvisation and various characters of the “Commedia dell’Arte,” a form of the Italian theatre of the 16th century. Burlamacco’s design drew inspiration from the scenic Tuscan beaches sprinkled with red, white, and blue umbrellas.
The art, imagination, and creativity utilized to produce Burlamacco and other popular carnevale characters is a tradition passed from one generation to the next. The talented artisans who brought to life the wild and fantastical papier mache sculptures and characters the Viareggio Carnevale is so famous for were taught by the parents who were taught by the parents. And so on. Viareggio Carnevale takes pride in the whimsical, allegorical, and mythological floats and puppets. Artistry is an integral component of Viareggio Carnevale, so it should come as no surprise that the craft of papier mache. Invented by a manufacturer from Viareggio, the simple ingredients of plaster, mold, newspaper, water, and flour can create some of the greatest art on display at any carnival in the world! Viareggio is truly a party for all. With no barriers to divide the revelers and spectators, the street parade is a mash of plain clothes partiers, masked revelers, and fantastic floats and wild sculptures. Which one will you choose to be?
