Carnival of Venice, Italy

The Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy, known for its elaborate masks, historical costumes, and unique atmosphere created by the city’s canals, palaces, and public squares. The event typically takes place in the two weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday, attracting visitors from around the world.

The carnival dates back to the Middle Ages and reached its height in the 18th century, when masks allowed Venetians of every class to mix freely. It faded after the fall of the Venetian Republic and was revived in 1979. The 2026 edition ran from 31 January to 17 February; in 2027 Shrove Tuesday falls on 9 February, so the carnival will take place from late January to that date.

Overview

The Carnival of Venice is characterized by public masquerades, cultural performances, costume competitions, and theatrical events throughout the historic center. The festival emphasizes artistry, craftsmanship, and the city’s long-standing tradition of mask-making. Many festivities take place in open squares, palazzi, and on temporary stages set up around Venice.

Main Events

• Il Volo dell’Angelo (The Flight of the Angel) – A symbolic ceremony held in Piazza San Marco, where a performer descends by cable from the bell tower to the square. This event marks the official start of the main festivities.
• Masked Balls and Costume Galas – Historic palaces host themed balls, dinners, and theatrical evenings. Some of the most well-known events require advance reservations and formal attire.
• Costume Parades and Contests – Visitors can watch or enter daily competitions for the Best Mask and Best Costume, held on stages in Piazza San Marco.
• Street Performances and Processions – Musicians, actors, acrobats, and mask-wearers entertain crowds in the streets and canals. Smaller parades occur in districts such as Cannaregio and Dorsoduro.

The Flight of the Angel takes place at noon on the first Sunday, when the previous year’s winner of the Festa delle Marie, a pageant of twelve young Venetian women, glides down from the bell tower. On the opening weekend a water festival with decorated boats fills the Rio di Cannaregio, and the new Maria is crowned in Piazza San Marco on the last day.

Most major events take place around:

• Piazza San Marco – main stage, costume competitions, ceremonies
• Rialto area – street performances and markets
• Cannaregio and Castello – neighborhood festivals and boat parades
• Historic palaces along the Grand Canal – private balls and galas

Watching the events in the streets and squares is free, while masked balls and dinners in the palaces are ticketed and often cost several hundred euros. Hotels fill up early, especially on the two carnival weekends.