Carnival of Venice

When: February; the festival runs in the two weeks before Lent, finishing on Shrove Tuesday.

Where: Venice, Italy - events take place across the historic centre with major gatherings in St Mark’s Square.

Cost: Many outdoor events are free; ticketed masked balls, concerts and exhibitions require advance purchase.

Don’t miss: The Volo dell’Angelo (Flight of the Angel) from St Mark’s Campanile and the daily costume parades around Piazza San Marco.

The Carnival of Venice, Italy is a centuries-old celebration of disguise and social reversal that dates back to medieval and Renaissance times; historical records link early festivities to the 12th century and the modern festival was officially revived in the late 20th century. Its core theme is elaborate masking, which allowed Venetians to mingle across class lines during the pre-Lenten season.

Today the carnival fills streets, squares and canals with costumed participants, floating gondolas and staged spectacles. Key locations include St Mark’s Square for public shows, the Grand Canal for boat processions, and scattered palazzi that host private masked balls and concerts. Expect a mix of free street theatre and high-ticket gala events such as the traditional masked balls and costume contests.

The Carnival is held in February and runs for roughly two weeks immediately before Lent, concluding on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. The programme is tied to the Christian calendar, so exact dates shift each year with the date of Easter.

The festival often features an opening weekend of major spectacles, a week of daytime parades and competitions, and a crescendo of ticketed evening balls in the final days; the Volo dell’Angelo traditionally takes place early in the festival calendar.

Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or nearby Treviso (TSF); from the airport use the Alilaguna water shuttle to the historic centre, or take buses/taxis to Piazzale Roma and continue on foot or by vaporetto to your accommodation. Arrive at least a day early to settle in and book accommodation and event tickets several months ahead - Carnival fills the city.

• In Venice temperatures in February are cold and damp; pack warm layers, a waterproof coat and shoes with good grip for slippery stones.
• Expect big crowds in Piazza San Marco and along the Grand Canal; keep valuables secure and allow extra time to move between sites.
• Many historic masked balls have strict dress codes and limited capacity; buy tickets early and check entry requirements (ID, formal dress, mask rules).
• If you plan on wearing a mask in public, be respectful of local space and avoid blocking canals, bridges or boat gangways.
• Check tide forecasts for acqua alta (high water) warnings - some low-lying areas can flood briefly even in winter.
• Book accommodation and any guided costume workshops or boat trips well in advance; consider staying near Vaporetto stops (Rialto or Santa Lucia) for easier access.