VOICED : Viareggio carnival mocks

The Biagio Carnival in Italy is renowned for its elaborate floats and giant masks, often depicting well-known personalities. In an election year, politicians become the main targets of satire. The carnival humorously portrays figures like outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti and President Giorgio Napolitano. The event's political resonance is significant, with satire serving as both a critique and a form of public engagement. The carnival's grand finale was delayed due to its clash with the general election. Despite the harsh satire, clever politicians embrace it, while others face greater ridicule. The carnival attracts around a million visitors, offering a light-hearted diversion from Italy's serious political climate.

What is the Biagio Carnival in Italy famous for?

• Delicious Italian cuisine

• Historical reenactments

• Its traditional dances

• Vast floats and giant masks

Which political figures are humorously depicted as a married couple in this year's carnival?

• Massimo and Alfano

• Silvio Berlusconi and Nicolas Sarkozy

• Mario Monti and Giorgio Napolitano

• Pier Luigi Bersani and Doctor Pietro

Why was the grand finale of the carnival delayed?

• To accommodate more visitors

• Because of a clash with the general election

• Due to bad weather

• To include more floats

How do clever politicians react to the carnival's satire?

• They embrace it and acknowledge its importance

• They ignore it

• They try to stop the carnival

• They protest against it

Approximately how many people are expected to visit the carnival?

• 500,000

• 1,000,000

• 2,000,000

• 3,000,000