Viareggio Carnival adds public televote for 2027 floats

Viareggio's Carnival will introduce televoting for its 2027 edition, allowing the public to help judge the parade floats for the first time in its over-century-long history. The decision, announced by new mayor Sara Grilli, shifts some verdict power from the traditional technical jury to the general public. The initiative, developed with the Carnival Foundation led by Riccardo Maria Monti, will feature a dedicated phone number costing 50 euro cents per vote. The technical jury will remain but will now share its role with the popular vote, which organizers say reflects the participatory spirit of the event. The change has sparked debate in the city, with some fearing that fan support for individual float builders could skew the final rankings. The next Carnival is scheduled from January 30 to February 20.