Venice Carnevale

Venice, Italy

Carnevale (carnival) is a major annual festival in Venice, known for its elaborate costumes, masks, parades, performances, street shows, and open-air theatricality.

The Carnival of Venice

Images: © StockItalia/Alamy

The most iconic of all festivals in Venice, Carnival (or Carnevale in Italian) is one of those extraordinary festivals – a celebration where many people dress up, wear costumes, masks and generally have a good time.

Venice Carnival ends on Shrove Tuesday and, in 2026, takes place from the 31st of January and ends on the 17th of February.

You can see people in masks and costumes throughout Venice. The disguise, in the past, allowed people of different social status to mingle, hiding identity and enabling freedom in behaviour.

There are street shows and performances including theatrical, musical, circus acts and other entertainment.

Each year Carnival often has a theme. For example in 2025 the theme is “Il tempo di Casanova” (The Time of Casanova), marking 300 years since his birth.

Venice Carnival usually runs for about two to three weeks, mostly in February (sometimes extending into early March depending on when Lent falls).

Visiting Venice Carnival

Useful Information

Location/Waterbus

Location: The main location for Venice Carnival is St Mark’s Square, but smaller events take place throughout Venice.

Waterbus stop: San Marco (Vallaresso)/San Marco Giardinetti

Time: Before Shrove Tuesday and Lent each year

Tickets & Tours

There are various Carnival related events including:

The Venice Carnival Dinner / Venice Dress-up Experience (available all year)

Carnival Mask Workshop | Carnival Party Cruise | Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl

Main Events of Venice Carnival

venice-carnival-characters-costume-festival

Images: © StockItalia/Alamy

The main events of Carnevale include:

The Venice Carnival Dinner Show (in 2026 taking place on the 31st January, 7th and 14th of February)

The Festa Veneziana (carnival boat procession). This features vibrantly decorated rowing boats (bissonne) as well as large, themed floats representing different animals or mythological figures. The parade involves costumed participants, colorful smoke, balloons, and confetti, creating a festive atmosphere. The boats gather at Salute church at 11am and work their way to the Rialto Bridge.

The Feast of the Maries (Festa delle Marie) is a historical event that commemorates a 10th-century legend about the rescue of twelve brides from pirates. The parade of the 12 prettiest girls in Venice will set off from Santa Sofia, from where they will travel by gondola to St. Mark’s Square.

Two Bookable Carnival Experiences

Costume Parades in St Mark’s Square

venice-carnival-carnevale-people-in-costume

Images: © StockItalia/Alamy

The gathering on Saturday the 7th (2026) in St Mark’s Square features music, theatre and a Carnival costume parade in St.Mark’s Square during the day along with a best Carnival costume contest.

This is the time to bring your camera! Be aware that it will be very busy.

The following Sunday (the 8th in 2026), at midday the flight of the angel takes place at St Mark’s bell tower.

Venice Carnival Dressing Up

Many people dress up for the Saturday event whether it’s simple face painting, wearing mask and simple or elaborate costumes. It’s a fun event where people come to be seen.

Venice Carnival History

Venice’s Carnival has roots going back many centuries. There is record of carnivalesque celebrations as far back as 1094.

According to legend, one early Carnival celebration was in 1162, in honour of Venice’s victory over the patriarch of Aquileia.

During the Venetian Republic especially, the Carnival became extremely important and elaborate. By the 17th-18th centuries it was famous across Europe for its opulence, libertine atmosphere, and anonymity provided by masks.

The modern version was revived in 1979, bringing back many traditional elements and becoming again a major cultural and tourist event.

Venice Carnival Experience

During February in Venice can be damp, chilly, foggy and rainy. However, the Venice Carnival is an experience you won’t forget. Yes, it will be very busy and hotel prices will be at a premium, but it’ll be worth it (from my own experience).