Angel's Flight – Venice Carnival
The Angel's descent from St. Mark's Campanile opens the Venice Carnival
About Angel's Flight
The Rite that Opens the Venetian Carnival
The Angel's Flight is the ceremony that symbolically inaugurates the Venice Carnival. From the top of St. Mark's Campanile, from a height of about one hundred meters, a young woman—traditionally the winning Maria of the previous year's Festa delle Marie—slowly descends towards the center of St. Mark's Square, suspended on a cable, greeting the masked crowd.
A Spectacle for the Whole World
The event draws thousands of people from all over the world to the square and is broadcast live on television internationally. The descent lasts a few minutes but is the emotional heart of the day, accompanied by music and the unique scenery of the square overlooking the basilica and the Doge's Palace.
A Free Event in the Heart of Venice
The Angel's Flight takes place in Venice (Metropolitan City of Venice, Veneto) and is free to attend for those watching in St. Mark's Square. It is advisable to arrive well in advance to find a spot. Areas with the best view may require accreditation or reservations.
Angel's Flight — edition 2026
The Angel's Flight for the 2026 edition takes place on Sunday, February 8th, in St. Mark's Square, traditionally during the central hours of the day. The Angel—the winner of the previous year's Maria dell'Anno—descends from the top of St. Mark's Campanile to the center of the square, suspended on a cable. It is the highlight that opens the Venice Carnival festivities, in front of a crowd of spectators and masked figures.
Programme Angel's Flight 2026
Program for Sunday, February 8, 2026:
- Morning — St. Mark's Square fills with spectators and masks; it's advisable to arrive well in advance to find a spot
- Around midday — Angel's Flight: the Maria's descent from St. Mark's Campanile towards the center of the square
- Following this, animations and shows in the square as part of the general Carnival program
General Carnival program on the official website: carnevale.venezia.it.
Highlights Angel's Flight 2026
Prices Angel's Flight 2026
Practical information — Angel's Flight
How to Get There
Venice is reachable by train (Venezia Santa Lucia station) and by car to Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. From there, reach St. Mark's Square by ACTV water bus (San Marco stop) or on foot.
Admission
Watching the Angel's Flight in St. Mark's Square is free. Reserved areas with a privileged view may require booking.
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Where does it take place — Angel's Flight
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia