Viareggio ready to begin 142nd carnival on Saturday

(AGI) Viareggio (Lucca), Jan 30 - Viareggio will open its 142ndcarnival on Saturday with a traditional flag-raising ceremony.At around 6.30 p.m., the banner of Viareggio's official mascot,Burlamacco, will be hoisted up the highest flagpole in Mazzinisquare with the sound of Italy's national anthem marking thestart of the festivities, which will go on till late February.Ballet dancer Francesco Mariottini and tenor Denis Dallan, whois also a former rugby player, will be among the many artiststo offer their performances before the ceremony. The onlyuncertainty is the weather, with forecasts hinting at a fewnasty surprises. Meteorologists, however, predicted sunshine onSunday, when carnival floats will begin their first parade at 3p.m. Actress Daniela Poggi, Miss Italia 2014 Clarissa Marchese,and chef Davide Oldani will be guests at the event. A musicalfireworks display at around 6 p.m., the first of its kindbefore it tours the world, will be the highlight of the eveningafter the parade. Further parades will take place on eachSunday of the month (February 8, 15, and 22) and Saturday,February 28. (AGI) . .