Venice Carnival 2024 is over, and the Venice Carnival 2025 schedule has just been announced. So, prepare yourself for a whirlwind of enchantment and revelry in the floating city of romance. Imagine strolling through the narrow alleys, where ancient palazzos stand in all their glory, while the air is filled with an atmosphere of mystery and excitement. As you make your way through the labyrinthine streets, adorned in your finest attire and a magnificent mask, you become a part of the centuries-old tradition that has captivated travelers for generations.
The Venice Carnival is not just a festival; it’s a voyage into Venetian culture, where masks serve as passports to a world of secrets and hidden identities. So, channel your inner count or countess, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Piazza San Marco, and let the enchantment of the Venice Carnival sweep you off your feet. Are you ready to dance, laugh, and create lifelong memories? Well, my friend, the adventure awaits!
When is the Venice Carnival?
The Venice Carnival is one of the most famous and popular carnival celebrations in the world. Taking place in Venice, Italy, it offers magnificent masked balls, opulent costumes, vibrant parades, and many other events and celebrations leading up to Lent.
The modern Venice Carnival can trace its origins back to the 13th century. The carnival was first officially recorded in 1268 and grew increasingly elaborate over the following centuries. However, the celebration was halted in 1797 when the Austrian army occupied the city and banned masks. After years of absence, the carnival was finally revived in the 1970s and has been going strong ever since.
Carnival Venice 2025 will take place from 22 February to 4 March 2025. It will kick off with “Festa Veneziana”, a mass street parade along the canal on the first weekend. Other major events include the “Flight of the Angel” costume contest, daily masked balls, the traditional candle-lit water procession called the “Festa delle Marie”, and elaborate float parades and street performances leading up to Fat Tuesday. The carnival culminates with huge crowds gathering in the Piazza San Marco for the final masked ball on Shrove Tuesday.
The Venice Carnival offers something for everyone, from lavish masquerade balls to street festivals, concerts, theater performances, and parades. With masks and costumes covering the city, it transports visitors to a magical and captivating world. The 2025 Venice Carnival is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
History and Origins of the Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival dates back to the 13th century and originated as a people’s celebration before the fasting and restrictions of Lent. It became an official event sponsored by the wealthy and elite families in 1296, held in the iconic St Mark’s Square.
The festivities traditionally began after December 26 and lasted until Shrove Tuesday, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Masks were an important part of the carnival from the beginning, allowing aristocrats to mingle anonymously with lower classes.
The carnival evolved over centuries, with lavish masquerade balls, opera debuts, commedia dell’arte theater, juggling and acrobatics. It gained fame as one of the most popular Carnivals in the world during the 18th century.
However, the festival was nearly brought to an end in 1797 when Napoleon conquered the Venetian Republic. The Austrian rulers who followed banned public gatherings, and it wasn’t until 1979 that Venice revived its Carnival.
Today Venice Carnival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, continuing a 700-year tradition of masks, costumes, music and revelry. The layers of history can be seen in the Renaissance and Baroque costumes as well as the ornate masks for which the festival is renowned.
Venice Carnival Masks
One of the most iconic parts of the Venice Carnival is the elaborate masks worn by revelers. Venetian Masks allow people to conceal their identity and social status, giving a sense of anonymity and freedom. Here’s what you need to know about Carnival masks:
Types of Masks
There are several common types of masks seen during the Carnival celebrations:
- Bauta – This full-face mask covers the entire face and is often paired with a tricorn hat and cloak. The bauta allows the wearer to remain completely anonymous.
- Moretta – Also known as a “silent mask”, the moretta is an oval mask worn only by women. It was held in place by a bite-hold and prevented the wearer from speaking.
- Larva – Made of white porcelain, these ghostly masks are often decorated with gold or silver paint. They cover the entire face.
- Volto – The volto or “face” mask is an iconic Venetian mask worn during Carnival. These masks are decorated with gold, silver, crystals, and feathers.
- Columbina – This half mask covers only the upper part of the face. It is usually highly decorated with gold, silver, lace, beads, and feathers.
Masks FAQ
Ready to uncover the mysteries behind the captivating masks of Venice? 🎠You’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers. Let’s dive in!
- What’s the history behind the masks at the Venice Carnival?
Ah, great question! The tradition of wearing masks in Venice dates back to the 13th century when they were used to hide one’s identity and social status, allowing people from different classes to mingle freely during Carnival. - Why are masks such a big deal during the Venice Carnival?
Well, masks symbolize freedom, anonymity, and a sense of rebellion against societal norms. During the Carnival, wearing a mask lets you shed your everyday identity and embrace a whole new persona—how cool is that? - Where can I get my hands on an authentic Venetian mask?
Oh, the thrill of the hunt! You can find exquisite masks in shops all around Venice, from traditional papier-mâchĂ© creations to modern designs. Pro tip: Seek out artisan workshops for one-of-a-kind pieces that’ll make you stand out in the crowd! Beware of cheap imports from China. Prices range from around €25 for simple masks to over €100 for more elaborate mask designs. Another option is to join a mask making workshop and create your own unique Venetian mask as a souvenir. - Can I wear any mask to the Venice Carnival?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer a simple domino mask or a lavish Bauta, the choice is yours. Just remember, at the Venice Carnival, your mask isn’t just an accessory—it’s your ticket to a world of fantasy and intrigue. - What’s the best way to experience the magic of Venice masks during the Carnival?
The ultimate Venice Carnival experience? Donning your mask, joining a grand masquerade ball in a historic palazzo, and dancing the night away surrounded by the enchanting vibes of this timeless celebration.
Rules for Wearing Masks
It’s illegal to wear masks in public in Italy outside of the Carnival season. During the Carnival festivities, you must remove masks when requested by police. Masks cannot be worn inside churches during Carnival either.
Venice Carnival Costumes
One of the highlights of Carnival is seeing the elaborate and creative costumes worn by attendees. Costumes are a major part of the festive atmosphere and allow people to take on a different persona. Here’s an overview of costumes at Venice Carnival:
Types of Costumes
- Maschera – Full face masks with elaborate decoration. These can be simple half masks or full head masks. Popular styles include the Bauta, Moretta, Medico della Peste, and Volto masks.
- Dominos – Hooded capes worn with ornate masks. Dominos were popular among the nobility who wanted to conceal their identity.
- Period costumes – Outfits reflecting Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, or Gothic styles. These transport you back in time.
- Fantasy costumes – Creative ensembles drawing inspiration from myths, legends, animals, or imaginary worlds. Go as a mermaid, jester, or fairy tale character.
- Venetian costumes – Elegant dresses, capes, hats, and ensembles inspired by 18th century Venetian fashion.
- Militaria – Uniforms and regalia from different eras and organizations. See French Revolution garb or ornate Napoleon-era uniforms.
Costume Guidelines
Venice doesn’t have strict rules, but avoid costumes that are too revealing or could be seen as offensive. Suggestive, gory, or overly political costumes are best avoided. Most focus on creative self-expression, fantasy, history, literature, and art.
Where to Buy or Rent
Venice has many costume shops and rental stores to help you complete your Carnival ensemble. Shops are concentrated around tourist areas like San Marco and Rialto. Reserve well in advance as inventory gets limited closer to Carnival. Some hotels also have costume partnerships. For the best selection, look in Venice at least 1-2 days before your event.
Head to the charming lanes of Dorsoduro, where hidden gems await your discovery. Or, for a buzz of excitement, make your way to the bustling streets near the iconic Rialto Bridge. Prepare to be dazzled as you uncover remarkable finds that will transport you to the bygone days of Venetian nobility. Also, Check these local stores online: Sogno Veneziano Atelier, Ca Del Sol, Costumes in Venice, and Nicolao Atelier.
Events and Performances
As thousands of travelers flock to the 2025 Venice Carnival, it’s important to plan and consider a few tips and tricks to ensure you don’t miss out. First, there will be many free events but keep an eye out for presale opportunities and discounts that festival organizers or travel agencies might offer. Signing up for newsletters or following the festival’s social media pages can keep you in the loop about exclusive offers. If possible, purchase your tickets early to avoid the last-minute rush. Here is the official website of Carnevale di Venezia.
The Venice Carnival features many exciting events and performances to entertain visitors. Some highlights include:
Festa Veneziana
Festa Veneziana is one of the biggest events of the Venice Carnival, held in St Mark’s Square. This elaborate show features acrobats, dancers, musicians, flag throwers, and actors in period costumes. Festa Veneziana re-enacts the Marriage of Venice to the Sea, complete with a mock doge and dogaressa processing to the lagoon.
Street Performances
Costumed jugglers, mimes, musicians, dancers, and other street performers can be found in squares and alleys across Venice during Carnival. Piazza San Marco hosts some of the best street acts, but be sure to wander off the main routes to find hidden gems. Keep an eye out for commedia dell’arte characters like Harlequin and Pulcinella entertaining the crowds.
Theater Shows
Theaters and cultural institutions across Venice put on special Carnival productions. Teatro La Fenice presents operas and classical music concerts featuring world-famous vocalists. Smaller theaters offer comedies, dramas, and musical revues with a Venetian Carnival theme. Pick up a program to see what’s playing during your stay.
Concerts
Musical performances of all kinds are held during Carnival. Orchestras perform at palazzos while jazz trios provide mood music along the canals. The Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio hosts daily concerts in the piazza featuring rock, pop, folk, and more. Check event listings to find free and ticketed concerts happening across the city.
Parties and Balls
The Venice Carnival is famous for its lavish masked balls and parties. Here are some of the most popular and notable ones to check out during Carnival 2025:
Ca’ Vendramin Calergi Grand Masquerade Ball
This stunning 15th-century palace on the Grand Canal hosts a series of masquerade balls during Carnival season. Expect an elegant soiree with live music, dancing, exquisite food and drinks, and intricately costumed masked guests. Tickets sell out fast, so book well in advance.
Palazzo Pisani Moretta Masquerade Ball
Immerse yourself in baroque splendour at this majestic 14th century palace’s famous masked balls. Rub shoulders with A-listers and celebrities at this exclusive event with glamorous costumes, champagne, live opera singing and classical music quartets.
Casanova’s Venice Grand Masquerade Ball
Held at the lavish Scuola Grande di San Rocco, this elegant ball brings Casanova’s 18th century Venice to life. With 3 orchestra levels, ask your masked partner for a dance, wander the candlelit rooms, or relax in the open-air courtyard.
Casa del Cinema Venezia Grand Masked Ball
Dance the night away at Venice Lido’s iconic Casa del Cinema during Carnival. With costume contests, prizes, DJs and live music, it’s one of the liveliest and affordable masked balls during the celebrations.
Piazza San Marco Midnight Masquerade Party
As the Carnival culminates, join the free midnight masked party in St. Mark’s Square on Fat Tuesday. Dance in your costume amidst historic architecture until the wee hours when the masks come off at midnight. A magical Venetian experience!
For more information about the Venice Carnival 2025 tickets price please check Il Ballo del Doge and Carnevale di Venezia websites. For the full Venice Carnival Schedule, travel tips, carnival photos, and Venice Carnival 2025 dates please check our comprehensive guide Venice Carnival 2025, How to See the Best of Venice in Just 3 Days.
Parades and Processions
The Venice Carnival is famous for its colorful parades and elaborate processions along the canals and streets. The highlight is the Burano per corte parade, where citizens of Burano, dressed in traditional costumes, walk through the island accompanied by boats decorated with flowers.
The Festa delle Marie is a historic procession dating back to the 9th century. Every year, a procession of 12 young women dressed in elaborate costumes walk across St. Mark’s Square and present a bouquet to the Doge. This ceremony signifies Venice’s marriage to the sea and commemorates a victory over pirates.
One of the most atmospheric processions is the candlelit boat parade on the final Saturday night of Carnival. A magical parade of illuminated boats and gondolas fills the Grand Canal, creating a fairytale-like spectacle. This parade marks the end of Carnival festivities until the following year.
Don’t miss out on viewing the spectacular parades and joining in the processions, which let you become part of the living history and traditions of Venice. The costumes, music, and pageantry of these events capture the spirit of the Carnival season in a memorable way.
Food & Drink during the Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival is a time to enjoy delicious traditional Venetian dishes and drinks. Here’s what to expect on the menus during Carnival:
Traditional Carnival Foods
- Frittole – These sweet fried doughnuts are a signature Carnival treat. Vendors sell them by the bagful along the streets and they’re perfect for snacking during the festivities. The doughnuts are fried until crispy on the outside and soft inside, then coated in granulated sugar.
- Galani – Another fried pastry similar to frittole, galani are thin strips of sweet dough fried and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re light and crispy.
- Castagnole – These round fried pastries are made from egg dough and full of raisins. They’re similar to doughnut holes and are a beloved Carnival food.
- Frappe – Long strips of fried dough that resemble ribbons. They are light and crunchy.
- Tramezzini – These small triangular sandwiches are popular year-round in Venice, but are especially convenient for eating while celebrating Carnival. Fillings often include eggs, tuna, and vegetables.
Traditional Drinks
- Spritz – The official cocktail of Venice, the Spritz mixes Aperol or Campari with Prosecco wine and a splash of soda water. It’s the perfect Venetian aperitif.
- Prosecco – This sparkling white wine from northern Italy pairs beautifully with seafood, which is in abundance during Carnival.
- Pinza – A sweet bread flavored with raisins and cornmeal that’s often paired with Prosecco or dessert wine during Carnival.
- Sgroppino – A refreshing vodka and lemon sorbet cocktail popular in Venice. It’s light and palate cleansing.
The food and drink during the Venice Carnival offer a delicious taste of local Venetian culture and cuisine. Be sure to attend food tours and try the fried dough, fresh seafood, Prosecco, and Spritz cocktails!
Getting Around
Getting around Venice during Carnival can be challenging with the crowds and street closures. Here are some tips to help you navigate the city:
- Walking is often the best way to get around. Venice is compact and walkable, so wear comfortable shoes. Avoid crowded streets and bridges when possible.
- Water bus and taxis (vaporetti) run throughout Venice and can be a good way to get across the Grand Canal and avoid mobbed bridges. Purchase multi-day passes to save money. Avoid peak times when boats will be packed.
- Gondolas are not an efficient mode of transit but can be a fun occasional splurge. Agree on prices beforehand and avoid overly touristy rides.
- Small water shuttle boats (traghetti) cross the Grand Canal at 7 set points. At just €2 a ride, they’re the cheapest way across.
- Private water taxis are very expensive but let you get door-to-door service and skip lines. Book ahead for reliability.
- Biking is not allowed in most areas. Consider just walking instead to stay flexible.
- The streets along major routes will be closed to vehicular traffic, so don’t plan on taking buses or driving.
- Pick accommodations centralized in districts you plan on frequenting to minimize travel time between destinations.
- Also check Pass Venice an all-in-one pass to use for public transportation, admission to tourist attractions, and cultural events in the city. VeneziaUnica City pass pricing starts at 15 Euro per person, you can purchase your tickets here.
Where to Stay
Venice offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences during the Carnival season. Advance planning is crucial, as hotels fill up months in advance.
Hotels
Luxury five-star hotels like the Hotel Danieli, The Gritti Palace, and Belmond Hotel Cipriani offer premium locations along the Grand Canal or on the islands. Standards rooms start around €500-600 per night during Carnival. Upscale four-star hotels like Novecento, Ca’ Sagredo, and Hotel Flora offer elegant Venetian decor and amenities starting around €300 per night.
Mid-range hotels like Al Ponte Antico, Hotel al Canal Grande, and Hotel Antiche Figure provide comfortable rooms near top sites for €150-250 per night. Avoid nondescript two and three-star lodging away from main thoroughfares.
Aim for hotels near Piazza San Marco or the Rialto Bridge to be centrally located. Check whether rates include breakfast. Inquire about potential room upgrades if available.
Apartment Rentals
Furnished apartments represent an affordable way to stay in the heart of Venice, with options starting around €100-150 per night for a studio or one-bedroom. Sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Vacasa offer apartments throughout Venice. Look for kitchen amenities to save on dining costs.
Ideal locations include Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and San Polo. Avoid far-flung islands that require frequent water taxi trips. Read reviews carefully as some apartments can be dark or dilapidated. Rentals with canal or rooftop views command premium pricing.
Budget Options
Hostels like Generator Venice and We Crociferi offer dorm-style and private rooms starting around €50 per night. Amenities are basic but locations are central.
Avoid hotels or Airbnbs far from the city center to minimize transportation costs via water taxi. Opt for locations within a 15-20 minute walk of major attractions.
Book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance for the best availability and rates. Be flexible on exact travel dates if possible.
Conclusion
Embark on the ultimate Venice Carnival experience in 2025 and step into a world of enchantment. From donning exquisite masks to immersing in the city’s rich culture, each moment will be filled with excitement and wonder. Explore the labyrinthine streets, indulge in Venetian cuisine, and capture unforgettable memories. Let the Venice Carnival ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with stories to share for years to come. Get ready to unmask the magic and revel in the splendor of this extraordinary event. Bon voyage and enjoy every moment!
Don’t forget to check our comprehensive guide Everything You Need To Know About Venice Carnival: FAQs Inside! and look for our upcoming Venice Carnival 2025 detail guide & schedule.