The city is preparing to experience Lucca's main masked weekend, the Carnival event which has now become an eagerly awaited event in the city's calendar of events. For the third consecutive year, the historic center will be transformed into a stage of colours, music and shows, with a program that will extend until March: Lucca aims to consolidate itself as a point of reference for carnival celebrations in Tuscany.

Starting from 7pm the rhythm of the Carnival will conquer the main streets of the center with the Allegra Baccanata, a traveling event that will liven up some of the most evocative places in the city, thanks to the involvement of clubs and city activities: Corso Garibaldi (Caffè Monica and Old City) will host a heavy musical rotation with SaveDj, Ricca Voice, Dj Maffei and Mr Joyce, while Piazza Antelminelli (Caffè 11.11) will revive the energy of the 80s with the band I warriors of the night, for a musical selection that will make nostalgics and new generations dance.

Opening the evening in Piazza Anfiteatro at 9pm will be the Total black band, a group from Lucca with a modern and engaging sound, with a repertoire that ranges from the most famous songs of Italian and international music. After Ivana Spagna's live performance, scheduled for 10pm, the party will continue until 1am with a DJ set by Marco Lazzaroni and Franco Baldaccini, for an explosive finale full of music and fun. Emanuela Gennai will host the evening.

One of the key days of the event will be Saturday (22 February) when, starting from 10pm, Piazza Anfiteatro will host an exceptional concert: Ivana Spagna, icon of Italian and international pop music, will go on stage for the first time in Lucca, offering the public a free show in which she will retrace her greatest hits, still beloved today, from Easy lady to Call me up to The circle of life, soundtrack of The Lion King, and People like us.