The Giacomo Puccini Centre is a an Italian Language school recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education. The centre is located 500 meters from the beach in Viareggio (Tuscany), well-known city for its Carnival celebration.

Viareggio Carnival was born in 1873 as a folk event, and at present attracts to itself the attention of big Italian and international medias, besides a large audience composed of people of every age and social level. Carnival will be celebrated every year for almost a month in January/ February .

In this period, on special course starting dates, Giacomo Puccini Centre offers a Carnival course: the Carnival week consists of a 2 week Standard Course and of special cultural classes and visits. Students will not only learn the Italian language, but also understand and enjoy this unique celebration. Besides morning classes they will take part to the sfilate (parades): every Sunday afternoon huge floats, masquerades, folkloristic bands and performers from all over the world will parade on the Passeggiata (Viareggio long promenade along the beach).

The Carristi, teams of special workers and craftsmen supposed to build Carnival floats will start about 8-6 months in advance to create them: the best one will be awarded a price and the competition among them is very hard! The Cittadella del Carnevale is the Carnival town and museum, where floats are build and kept. Attending the Carnival week students will also have the chance to visit this town and see the floats in the hangars: special guides will explain them the Carnival history and the craftsmen’s work.

During the Carnival weeks Viareggio offers a programme of related events including a large number of shows and cultural events such as fun musical comedies in vernacular (for example the Canzonetta), that will be interesting for students for its special popular Italian language and accent.
All discos and pubs will organize Carnival parties, that students will enjoy during the whole period. In particular they can take part to the Rioni (Rione means city quarter). “A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale!”: joking and laughing are the rules during Carnival in Viareggio. The biggest and most famous festival is in the Rione Darsena in the Viareggio harbour quarter.

Carnival will be closed on Martedì Grasso (Mardi Gras) with fireworks and an evening parade on the Passeggiata.
The Carnival Week is a study and leisure chance that should not be missed!