Residents Celebrate Viareggio Carnival

VIAREGGIO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 6: A decorated float made from papier mache is seen on parade during the carnival celebration on February 6, 2005 in Viareggio, Italy. The Viareggio Carnival was established in 1873 when some of the local land lords organized a procession of decorated floats which paraded up and down the main street of the city. On that first occasion a masked protest was also organized by a number of citizens, as they were aggrieved at having to pay so many taxes. Since then Viareggio has become the home of the Italian Carnival, with its masked parades characterized by allegorical floats made from papier mache, masked balls and parties in the various district of the city. The floats are considered works of art to which the local float makers dedicate an entire year of workmanship. (Photo by Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images)