Carnival in Venice Italy: the update guide

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Hey traveler! Are you ready to dive into one of the most iconic and magical festivals in the world? The Carnival in Venice Italy is an event that blends history, art, culture, and a touch of mystery.

With this updated guide by Venice Insider Guide, you'll discover everything you need to know to fully experience this unique occasion. Sit back and let yourself be transported through the canals, masks, and splendor of a timeless era.

Carnival in Venice Italy: The guide

You think Carnival in Venice Italy is just for fun? Venice will change your mind. The Venice Carnival is a historic event that attracts visitors from all over the world every year.

Get ready to experience something more than an event: it’s a journey into the heart of the Serenissima where tradition and beauty meet on a unique stage.

Carnival in Venice: What’s on?

During the Carnival in Venice the city is one continuous party. The canals are filled with decorated boats, the streets with masks and squares like St. Mark’s become open-air stages. But what to expect?

  1. Costume parades: Wearing a period costume is the best way to get into the Carnival spirit.
  2. Exclusive events: From masked balls in historic palaces to shows, every corner of Venice has a special experience.
  3. Food and traditions: Don’t miss the fritters and galani. We’ll give you some tips on where to find them later.

Is Carnival in Venice free?

Here’s the most asked question: is the Venice Carnival free? The answer is yes and no. The city is open to everyone and many of the main events like public parades and street shows are free.

But if you want to attend exclusive events like masked balls or gala dinners in historic palaces you will need to buy a ticket. Book in advance as these events are very popular.

Why is the Venice Carnival famous?

Why is the Carnival in Venice so famous? The answer is simple: it’s a mix of history, art and mystery. Born in the Middle Ages the Carnival has evolved over the centuries and is now one of Italy’s most iconic symbols.

What makes it special:

  1. The masks: Each mask has a story and is a character from Venetian tradition.
  2. The setting: Venice is a city out of time and Carnival makes it even more unique.
  3. Global audience: People from all over the world come to celebrate this festival and the atmosphere is international and lively.

St. Mark’s Square: The core of the Carnival in Venice

If there’s one place that is the heart of the Carnival in Venice Italy it’s St. Mark’s Square. This iconic square becomes the main stage for shows, performances and parades. Here’s what to know:

  1. The open air theater: Every year St. Mark’s Square is transformed into a scenery with music, dance and live shows.
  2. Mask contests: Don’t miss the “Most Beautiful Mask” contest where participants from all over the world show off their extraordinary costumes.
  3. Access and tips: Free entrance but be prepared for a big crowd. Get there early to get a good spot.

Carnival in Venice Italy: When is it?

The Carnival in Venice Italy takes place in the days before Lent. The dates change every year but the event usually starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday.

Facts:

  1. Opening events: These often include the “Flight of the Angel” (more on that later).
  2. Peak days: The weekend before Shrove Tuesday is the busiest.

Carnival in Venice masks: What are they like?

Masks are the icon of the Carnival in Venice Italy. But what makes them so special?

  1. Intricate design: Handmade with gold leaf, feathers and crystals.
  2. Artisanal tradition: Venetian artisans have been doing it for generations.
  3. Many styles: From simple to artistic masks there’s something for everyone.

How was born the Venetian mask?

The Venetian masks have a long history dating back to the 13th century. Originally they were used not only during the Carnival but also on other occasions to break down social barriers and to remain anonymous.

What to know:

  1. Historical use: Masks allowed Venetians to mix without class differences.
  2. Decline and rebirth: Banned in the 18th century they were reborn in the 70s.
  3. Cultural meaning: Today they represent the freedom and creativity of the Carnival.

What kind of masks are worn during the Carnival in Venice Italy?

Among the many Venetian masks some are more iconic:

  1. Bauta: Covers the whole face and is often worn with a black cloak.
  2. Moretta: Oval mask worn by women, famous for its mystery.
  3. Volto: Simple and elegant white mask.
  4. Plague Doctor: With its long beak this mask is a historical icon.

Venice Carnival Italy: What to see?

The Carnival in Venice is full of events. Here are the main ones:

  1. The Flight of the Angel: The opening ceremony where a symbolic figure “flies” from the top of St. Mark’s Campanile.
  2. Mask parades: Every day you can see extraordinary costumes.
  3. Masked balls: The “Grand Ball” is a must for those who want to live the luxury.
  4. Festivals on the Grand Canal: Illuminated boats and water shows.

The Carnival in Venice Italy: Where does it come from?

The origins of the Carnival in Venice date back to 1162 when Venetians celebrated a military victory with dances and festivities.

Over time the Carnival became a popular festival, with masks and costumes to escape the strict social rules of the Serenissima.

The Venice Carnival: description

The Carnival in Venice is more than a party: it’s a journey through time. The atmosphere is made magical by music, costumes and the unique setting of the city.

Every detail, from the lamplights to the reflections on the water, is part of the experience.

The flight of the angel of Carnival in Venice Italy

The “Flight of the Angel” is one of the most awaited events of the Carnival.

A symbolic figure, usually a young woman chosen through a contest, will descend from the top of St. Mark’s Campanile via a rope, flying over the square. Music, applause and energy will fill the air.

What to know:

  1. Where: St. Mark’s Square.
  2. Tip: Get there early to get a front row spot!

Carnival in Venice Italy: conclusion

The Carnival in Venice Italy is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of history, art and culture that goes back centuries. The Venetian Carnival allows you to relive the traditions of the victory of the Venice Republic against the Holy Roman Emperor.

As you stroll along the romantic canals, past the Rialto Bridge and into St. Mark’s Square you’ll be mesmerized by the costumes and masks that are as beautiful as they are meaningful.

The Venetian masks, from the Plague Doctor to the Moretta, were worn to blur social lines, a practice encouraged by the Venetian government centuries ago.

Today you can find them in every mask shop in the city. Handcrafted for the occasion, these masks are a work of art. Whether you’re attending private parties in Doge’s Palace, watching the opening parade on the Grand Canal or simply strolling through the streets, the Carnevale di Venezia is a sensory experience.

From the festa delle Marie to Shrove Tuesday, the Carnival’s history merges with the Venetian culture to create an unique festival every year.

The Italian government decided to revive this carnival tradition so that locals and visitors can enjoy it. Whether you like the tricorn hat or Fat Tuesday, the Carnival in Venice is a must see.

Dress up, have fun and let Venice cast its spell. See you next February by St. Mark’s Basilica for the biggest popular celebration in the world.

Are you ready to be stunned? Carnival in Venice is here. Come on!