Cosplay in the streets of Lucca, Italy, October 29, 2025. RICCARDO BONUCCELLI
An unusual group of pilgrims gathered near the columns of the San Martino Cathedral at the heart of Lucca's old town to pose for photos in spite of the pouring rain on Wednesday, October 29. Made up as their favorite fictional heroes from comics, video games or films, hundreds of cosplayers strolled along the ramparts of Lucca, which, until November 2, hosts the annual Lucca Comics & Games Festival. The event prides itself on being the second-largest pop culture gathering in the world, after Comiket in Tokyo and ahead of San Diego Comic-Con in California in terms of attendance.
This year's theme, "French Kiss," honors the French comic tradition to which many Italian illustrators have contributed, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. The day before the event began, 240,000 tickets had already been sold – a 4% increase compared to 2024. However, the exact number of attendees is impossible to determine, as the gates of the old town remain open as usual to residents and curious bystanders.
You have 80.51% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
