Two Parts Italy

It’s been one week since the end of Lucca’s big Comics event and we are all breathing a sigh of relief at having survived the crowds and chaos. Soon the tents will all be down (that takes a bit of time) and the city will have a period of quiet before the Christmas season begins. Though here in Lucca, Christmas decorations are already showing up in window displays and shops.

But first, I will wrap up Comics with some photos from my favorite event, the Steampunk parade. Actually, 3 days of Steampunk parades, each with a different theme but all with the hallmarks of Steampunk Style – Victorian elegance meets Industrial Revolution mechanical chic. That means lots of fancy dresses and hoop skirts for the ladies, top hats and vests for the men. The basic dress is then paired with goggles, gears, jet packs, brass arm braces, flying machines, interesting weapons, and telescopes.

The Steampunk Italia group, which always has a big presence at Lucca Comics, goes all out in terms of costumes. It has to be the most photographed event of Comics, and for good reason. The creativity, self-expression, and cost (in terms of time and money) in creating these outfits is over the top. Each day’s parade began in front of the San Michele church where participants posed for photos before beginning their procession through town.

The theme for day one was Flotti Aeree, Air Fleets, with a mostly white and tan color scheme. Every form of early industrial age flight was included. Costumes included a variety of wings – feathered ones, canvas ones, and mechanical ones (steam powered of course).

There were hot air balloons, propellers, flight helmets, goggles, and altimeters.

Day two’s theme was Opere d’ Arte Viventi (Living Works of Art). For this parade, the color of the day was mostly black and there were many picture frames added to costumes with the usual Steampunk sense of style. Several well-known artists were represented along with many creative works of art.

The third and final day’s theme was a tribute to the world of Jules Verne. That world includes undersea and lunar exploration, travel, mad scientists, and flight. Some of the participants had entirely different costumes for this parade.

Look closely - can you spot Diana, one of Lucca’s own Steampunk enthusiasts, in three different costumes? Imagine the chaos in the dressing rooms after 3 days of different outfits!

Steampunk is the ultimate in cosplay events during the festival. A big thanks to the Steampunk Italia troupe for all of their efforts to make this a fantastic event!