Carnevale di Venezia
The world's most famous carnival, between masks and water
About Carnevale di Venezia
The most famous carnival in the world
The Venice Carnival is the most famous and fascinating masked festival in the world. For almost three weeks Venice returns to wear the guise of the eighteenth-century Serenissima: alleys, squares, and canals fill with masks and sumptuous costumes, while St. Mark's Square becomes the grand stage for the event.
Water events
A unique feature of the Venetian Carnival is its connection with water. The Venetian Water Festival opens the celebrations with a grand water parade along the Grand Canal, while during the central days, the historic Feast of the Marie takes place — a re-enactment of the Doge's tribute to twelve Venetian maidens — and the famous Flight of the Angel, which descends from St. Mark's Campanile to the crowded square.
Masks, shows, and tradition
Among the unmissable events are the contest for the most beautiful mask in St. Mark's Square, shows by acrobats and jugglers, workshops for making Venetian masks, and costume parades. The Carnival involves the entire Metropolitan City, with allegorical float parades on the islands and the mainland, from Burano to Mestre, from Pellestrina to the Lido.
A festival that spans the centuries
Promoted in Venice, Veneto, by the Municipality with direction by Vela Spa, the Carnival has its roots in the centuries of the Republic of Venice and was relaunched in its modern form in the late seventies. Each edition offers a different theme, inspiring costumes, sets, and shows, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Carnevale di Venezia — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Venice Carnival took place from January 31 to February 17 with the theme "Olympus – The origins of the game", chosen in harmony with the Olympic year of Milan-Cortina 2026: a tribute to mythology, the harmony between body and mind, and the spirit of fair competition.
The celebrations opened on February 1 with the Venetian Water Festival and the water parade on the Grand Canal. Among the central events were the Feast of the Marie starting February 7 and the Flight of the Angel on February 8 in St. Mark's Square, followed by days of shows, mask contests, and parades throughout the Metropolitan City.
Programme Carnevale di Venezia 2026
January 31 - February 1
- Carnival Opening
- February 1 — Venetian Water Festival and water parade on the Grand Canal
February 7 - 8
- February 7 — Feast of the Marie, historical parade towards St. Mark's Square
- February 8 — Flight of the Angel from St. Mark's Campanile
February 9 to 16
- Most beautiful mask contest in St. Mark's Square
- Shows by acrobats and jugglers, mask workshops
- Allegorical float parades on the islands and mainland (Burano, Mestre, Pellestrina, Lido)
Full program at carnevale.venezia.it.
Highlights Carnevale di Venezia 2026
Prices Carnevale di Venezia 2026
Practical information — Carnevale di Venezia
How to get there
Venice is reachable by train to Santa Lucia, by car to Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, by plane from Marco Polo airport. During Carnival, ACTV water buses and walking are recommended; on peak days, access to St. Mark's Square may be restricted.
Where and when
St. Mark's Square and the entire city of Venice (VE), as well as the islands and the mainland, between late January and February.
Admission
Most of the outdoor events are free; some shows, masked balls, and gala dinners are paid and require booking. Full program at carnevale.venezia.it.
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Where does it take place — Carnevale di Venezia
Piazza San Marco e tutta la città
Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia