Venice Carnival: dates, masks and tradition
Every winter, when the fog envelops the canals of the Serenissima, Venice is transformed into an open-air theatre where time seems suspended. The Venice Carnival, one of the oldest and most prestigious carnivals in the world, transforms the City of the Doges into a fairytale stage where Venetian masks and sumptuous costumes reign supreme. With its blend of mystery and splendour, this unique event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year from all over the world for a timeless experience.
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The origins of the Venice Carnival
Carnival in Venice has its roots in the mists of time. As far back as the 11th century, pre-Carnival festivities were already livening up the city’s streets. It was in 1162 that Carnival really found its official origins, when the Republic of Venice celebrated its victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia. The Venetians took over Piazza San Marco to dance and celebrate, inaugurating a tradition that would last for centuries.
Over time, Carnival became a major social institution in the Serenissima. During this period of revelry preceding Lent, social hierarchies temporarily disappeared behind the masks. Nobles and commoners rubbed shoulders anonymously in the alleyways, creating a space of freedom that was unique in Old Regime Europe. The Venetian mask thus became the symbol of ephemeral equality, allowing everyone to free themselves temporarily from their social rank.
The 18th century was the golden age of Carnival in Venice. The festivities lasted for several months, attracting the European aristocracy in search of refined entertainment. Casanova himself, the famous Venetian seducer, immortalised the libertine and enchanting atmosphere of these masked balls in his memoirs. Unfortunately, in 1797, during the Austrian occupation, Napoleon Bonaparte banned carnival for fear of popular gatherings. This ban marked the end of a sumptuous era.
It wasn’t until 1979 that the carnival was reborn from its ashes, thanks to a citizens’ initiative supported by the Venetian municipality. Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the most famous carnivals on the planet. Today, the official Venice Carnival website bears witness to the renewed vitality of this centuries-old tradition that enchants the whole world.
Venice Carnival 2026: dates and programme
For the 2026 edition, the Venice Carnival will run from Saturday 31 January to Tuesday 17 February, offering almost three weeks of uninterrupted festivities. This period coincides with Catholic tradition, which places Carnival before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. The year 2026 takes on a special significance as it celebrates the Olympic year, with a theme that interweaves history, art and sport in a tribute to the Venetian heritage.
Not-to-be-missed carnival events
The Venice Carnival programme is built around a series of key events that punctuate the Venetian days and nights. The official opening takes place on Saturday 31 January at 8pm with the masked ball “Un Ballo in Maschera”, a grandiose evening that sets the tone for the festivities to come. The following day, Sunday 1 February at 11am, the traditional Venetian boat carnival brings the Grand Canal to life in a colourful nautical parade.
Saturday 7 February marks a special moment with the Feast of the Maries, one of the oldest carnival traditions. This historic ceremony commemorates the liberation of young Venetian girls kidnapped by pirates in the 10th century. Twelve young girls, dressed in sumptuous period costumes, parade from the Castello district to St Mark’s Square, where one of them will be crowned ‘Mary of the Year’. This tradition offers a fascinating visual spectacle that plunges spectators into the heart of Venetian history.
Sunday 8 February at midday is the most eagerly awaited moment: the Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo). A young woman, usually the ‘Mary’ from the previous year, soars from the top of the Campanile San Marco to the square below, suspended from a cable in front of thousands of amazed spectators. This vertiginous spectacle symbolises bravery and grace, in a performance that blends tradition and technical prowess. Throughout these festive days, Piazza San Marco becomes the stage for costumed parades, concerts and shows that delight young and old alike.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Venice on foot and on your own
If you’re attending Carnival in Venice, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of the Serenissima at your own pace. With the Navaway audio tour of Venice, discover 26 of the city’s major landmarks, from St Mark’s Basilica to the Doge’s Palace and the famous Rialto Bridge. This interactive tour combines the excitement of Carnival with a full cultural immersion in Venice’s fascinating history.
Venetian masks: symbols and traditions
Venetian masks are the very soul of Carnival in Venice. Much more than mere accessories, they embody a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and represent various characters from the Commedia dell’Arte or Venetian society of yesteryear. Each mask has its own story, symbolism and method of manufacture, perpetuating a skill handed down from generation to generation in the city’s artisan workshops.
La bauta: the mask of anonymity
The bauta is without doubt the most emblematic mask of the Venice Carnival. This white mask covers the entire face, with a special shape that allows the wearer to eat and drink without taking it off. Traditionally, the bauta is accompanied by a black tricorn (the typical Venetian hat) and a dark cape called a tabarro. In the past, this disguise was worn by men and women alike, even outside the carnival period, as it guaranteed total anonymity for romantic rendezvous or confidential business.
The moretta and other legendary masks
The moretta, also known as the “servetta muta” (mute servant), was the feminine mask par excellence. Oval in shape and entirely black, it was held over the face by a button that the woman held between her teeth, preventing her from speaking. This constraint reinforced the mystery and seduction of the wearer. Other traditional masks include the plague doctor with his characteristic long nose, the delicately decorated Colombina, which covers only the upper half of the face, and the Jolly, embodying the festive jester.
Today, mascareri craftsmen perpetuate this ancestral art in their Venetian workshops. Making an authentic mask follows a meticulous process: modelling the clay, creating a plaster mould, applying papier-mâché, then decorating with gold leaf and paint. Prices vary considerably depending on the quality and complexity of the mask, from a few dozen euros for a simple mask to several hundred euros for an exceptional piece made by a master craftsman. For an authentic experience, don’t hesitate to visit Venice and its traditional workshops, where you can even watch these works of art being created.
Costumes and fancy dress: the art of metamorphosis
While the mask is the central element of the costume, the costume as a whole plays a full part in the magic of Venice Carnival. Venetian costumes are mainly inspired by the fashions of the 18th century, the golden age of the Serenissima, with their voluminous dresses, powdered wigs, elegant tricorns and sumptuous capes. Precious fabrics such as silk, velvet and brocade are embellished with gold embroidery, refined lace and glittering stones.
To get the full carnival experience, many visitors choose to hire a complete period costume. Several workshops and Venetian boutiques offer this service, with prices generally ranging from 100 to 400 euros for a day’s hire, depending on the quality and complexity of the ensemble. Some establishments even offer professional photo sessions in sumptuous settings, immortalising your transformation into an 18th-century Venetian nobleman. However, you don’t have to be in costume to enjoy Carnival: many spectators simply come to admire the lively, colourful theatre that fills the city’s streets.
Costumes are not limited to historical outfits. Some participants give free rein to their creativity with fantastic costumes inspired by mythological characters, extraordinary animals or fairytale creatures. This creative freedom makes Venice Carnival a veritable festival of living art, where every street, bridge and square becomes a stage for an eternal play. Strolling along the Zattere or in the Dorsoduro district, you’ll come across these majestic apparitions that seem to have sprung from another time.
Masked balls and private parties
As well as the public festivities that enliven the squares and canals, Venice Carnival also shines with its private masked balls held in the city’s historic palaces. These exclusive evenings perpetuate the tradition of 18th-century aristocratic receptions, offering an unforgettable experience in sumptuous settings. The Ballo del Doge, held at Palazzo Pisani Moretta, remains one of the most prestigious and popular. Guests, dressed in authentic period costumes, dance to baroque music in salons adorned with frescoes and crystal chandeliers.
Other masked balls are held at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, Palazzo Nani Bernardo and Ca’ Sagredo, each with its own special atmosphere. These evenings usually include a gourmet dinner, music and dance performances and surprise entertainment. Tickets for these exclusive events range from a few hundred to several thousand euros per person, depending on the prestige of the evening. It is strongly recommended to book well in advance, as these balls sell out quickly.
For those looking for a more affordable alternative, many historic cafés and Venetian restaurants organise themed evenings during Carnival. The famous La Fenice Theatre also offers opera and concert performances in a festive atmosphere, combining musical culture with carnival spirit. These different options allow each visitor to find the experience that suits their desires and budget, while immersing themselves in the magic of Venice.
Practical tips for enjoying Carnival
Attending the Venice Carnival requires a certain amount of preparation if you are to make the most of the event. First of all, accommodation is a major issue: hotels and rental accommodation sell out quickly and charge high rates during this period. So it’s essential to book several months in advance. Choose accommodation in the historic centre to be at the heart of the action, even if it means spending a lot of money. The San Marco, San Polo and Dorsoduro districts offer ideal proximity to the main events.
As far as getting around is concerned, Venice prohibits motorised traffic in its historic centre. Vaporetti (water buses) are the main means of public transport, supplemented by walking through the narrow streets and bridges. The Venezia Unica City Pass can be a great value: it combines unlimited access to public transport, entry to certain museums and discounts on various activities. During Carnival, expect a huge crowd, especially in Piazza San Marco and around the Rialto Bridge. To avoid the crowds, opt for the mornings and explore the less touristy districts such as Cannaregio and Castello.
In terms of clothing, February in Venice can be cold and wet, with temperatures fluctuating between 5 and 10 degrees. Make sure you bring warm, waterproof clothes that are comfortable for walking. Beware of the acqua alta (high water) phenomenon, which can flood certain low-lying areas of the city: rubber boots will be your best ally. Finally, although most street events are free, you should allow plenty of money for accommodation, food and any paid activities. Restaurants often charge higher prices during Carnival, but the unique experience of tasting Venetian specialities in the midst of this festive atmosphere is priceless.
The gastronomic traditions of Carnival
Carnival in Venice is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. This festive period is accompanied by specific culinary traditions that delight gourmets. Fritelle, the traditional Venetian fritters, reign supreme during Carnival. There are two main varieties: fritelle alla veneziana, filled with raisins and pine nuts, and fritelle alla crema, filled with a creamy custard. These deep-fried delicacies, sprinkled with icing sugar, can be enjoyed in the city’s patisseries, some of which still use centuries-old family recipes.
Galani (or crostoli) are another emblematic carnival sweet. These thin strips of fried dough, lightly sweetened and flavoured with rum or lemon, are crisp and light. They can be found in all Venetian bakeries during this period. To accompany these delicacies, there’s nothing like a spritz, the quintessential Venetian cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water, or a glass of chilled Prosecco from the Valdobbiadene hills.
As well as these carnival specialities, make the most of your stay to discover the richness of Venetian gastronomy. Cicchetti, the Italian-style tapas served in bacari (traditional wine bars), risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), baccalà mantecato (creamy cod) and fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style calf’s liver) are all specialities not to be missed. As you stroll from the Rialto market to the small trattorias in the San Polo district, you’ll discover an authentic cuisine that has preserved its traditions while appealing to palates the world over.
In conclusion, the Venice Carnival is much more than just a festive event: it’s a plunge into the thousand-year-old history of the Serenissima, a celebration of art and beauty, a timeless moment where magic works in every alley, on every bridge and along every canal. Whether you choose to dress up in sumptuous costumes and take part in a masked ball in a historic palace, or simply stroll through the bustling streets as an admiring spectator, Carnival is an unforgettable experience. And after experiencing the excitement of these extraordinary days, take the time to discover Venice in all its splendour thanks to the audio tours that will reveal the secrets of this unique city.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates of the Venice Carnival 2026?
The Venice Carnival 2026 will run from Saturday 31 January to Tuesday 17 February 2026, almost three weeks of uninterrupted festivities throughout the city.
Do you have to wear a costume to attend Carnival?
No, wearing a costume is absolutely not compulsory. Many visitors simply come to admire the costumed participants and enjoy the festive atmosphere. However, dressing up makes for a more immersive and authentic experience.
Where can I hire an authentic Venetian costume?
Several specialist workshops in Venice offer authentic period costume hire, particularly in the San Marco and Castello districts. Prices range from €100 to €400 per day, depending on the quality of the costume. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for the most popular carnival dates.
What are the free events at Venice Carnival?
Most of the street events are free: costumed parades, entertainment in Piazza San Marco, street shows and parades. The Flight of the Angel and the Feast of the Maries are also free, although early arrival is recommended to get a good seat.
When is the best time to visit Carnival?
The weekend before Mardi Gras is the most intense time of the carnival, with the maximum number of events and costumed participants. To avoid the crowds and still enjoy the atmosphere, choose weekdays at the beginning or middle of the carnival.
How do you get around Venice during Carnival?
Venice is best visited on foot and by vaporetto (waterbus). The Venezia Unica City Pass offers unlimited access to public transport during your stay. Allow extra time for your journeys because of the exceptionally high numbers of visitors during Carnival.
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