Volo dell'Angelo – Carnevale di Venezia
The Angel's Flight from St. Mark's Campanile that opens the Venice Carnival
About Volo dell'Angelo
The ritual that opens the Venetian Carnival
The Volo dell'Angelo is the ceremony that symbolically inaugurates the Carnevale di Venezia. From the top of the Campanile di San Marco, from a height of about one hundred metres, a young woman — traditionally the winning Maria of the Festa delle Marie from the previous year — slowly descends towards the centre of Piazza San Marco, suspended on a cable, greeting the masked crowd.
A show for the whole world
The event draws thousands of people from all over the world to the square and is broadcast live on international television. The descent lasts a few minutes but is the emotional heart of the day, accompanied by music and the unique setting of the square overlooking the basilica and the Doge's Palace.
A free event in the heart of Venice
The Volo dell'Angelo takes place in Venice (metropolitan city of Venice, Veneto) and is free to attend for those watching in Piazza San Marco. It is advisable to arrive well in advance to find a spot. Areas with the best view may require accreditation or booking.
Volo dell'Angelo — edition 2026
The Volo dell'Angelo for the 2026 edition takes place on Sunday, February 8th, in St. Mark's Square, traditionally in 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 centre of the square, suspended on a cable. It is the highlight that opens the Venice Carnival celebrations, in front of a crowd of spectators and masks.
Programme Volo dell'Angelo 2026
Programme 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 — Volo dell'Angelo: the Maria's descent from St. Mark's Campanile towards the centre of the square
- Following this, entertainment and shows in the square as part of the general Carnival programme
General Carnival programme on the official website: carnevale.venezia.it.
Highlights Volo dell'Angelo 2026
Prices Volo dell'Angelo 2026
Practical information — Volo dell'Angelo
How to get there
Venice is reachable by train (Venezia Santa Lucia station) and by car to Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. From there, reach Piazza San Marco by ACTV vaporetto (San Marco stop) or on foot.
Admission
Watching the Volo dell'Angelo in Piazza San Marco is free. Reserved areas with a privileged view may require booking.
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Where does it take place — Volo dell'Angelo
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia