Hey traveler! Ready to enter a world where fantasy and history collide? Venice Carnival 2025 is calling and it’s going to be EPIC!
So, welcome back to this new edition of Venice Insider Guide dedicated to the Venice Carnival 2025 program, dates and tips for visitors. But that's not all.
This guide has everything you need to know to make the most of your Venetian adventure—from key dates and event highlights to pro tips for navigating the carnival.
Discover the Venice Carnival 2025: key dates, exciting highlights, and essential tips to make the most of your visit.
What’s the theme for Venice Carnival 2025?
Every year Venice Carnival 2025 has a unique theme that ties all the events, performances and decorations together. For 2025 the theme is "Il tempo di Casanova", dedicated to the venetian Giacomo Casanova.
Pro tip: Want to join in? Start planning your costume now and include elements from your favourite fable or legend—Venice Carnival is your chance to shine!
When is Venice Carnival 2025?
Book it in, folks! Venice Carnival 2025 starts on 14th February and runs until 4th March. These two weeks are jam packed with events so plan wisely to make the most of your time.
Why these dates matter:
- Weekends vs Weekdays: the opening and closing weekends are the busiest and have the biggest events, while weekdays are more chill.
- Fat Tuesday end: the last day of the carnival—Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday—is not to be missed with parades and fireworks illuminating the city.
Venice Italy Carnival 2025 dates
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Opening Day: 14th February 2025
- Closing Ceremony: 4 March 2025
Get to Venice a day or two early to soak up the pre-carnival atmosphere, explore the city’s hidden corners and avoid any travel delays.
Program Venice Carnival 2025
The program for Venice Carnival 2025 is chock full of events for all tastes—from big galas and parades to cultural workshops and street performances. Let’s get into it:
1. Grand opening parade
This is the big one! A water parade on the Grand Canal with elaborately decorated boats, performers and fireworks.
2. Masked balls
Venice’s masquerade balls are the stuff of legend. Try the Ballo del Doge for opulence or the Carnival Extravaganza Ball for history with a modern twist.
3. Street performances
Every day you’ll find jugglers, musicians and dancers bringing the city to life. Don’t miss the Commedia dell’Arte performances celebrating traditional Italian theatre.
4. Costume contests
Get creative at one of the daily costume contests in Piazza San Marco. Even if you’re not competing, the parade of costumes is a show.
5. Family friendly events
Traveling with kids? Check out storytelling workshops, children’s parades and craft sessions where little ones can make their own masks.
When to go to Venice Carnival 2025? The bests day!
Thinking of when to go? Here’s a quick lowdown:
Best days to visit Carnival Venice 2025:
- Opening Weekend: be there for the grand water parade and first events.
- Middle Weekend: this is when the carnival really gets going with big parades and events.
- Fat Tuesday: the grand finale—fireworks, live music and a magical end to the carnival season.
Midweek days are the best for avoiding crowds and exploring Venice’s hidden corners. Use these days to visit museums, churches and secret spots.
Venice Carnival 2025 in Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the epicentre of the Venice Carnival. Here’s what you’ll find:
Piazza San Marco highlights:
- The Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo): costumed performer will fly from the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Daily Performances: live music and dance shows.
- Food and Market Stalls: try Venetian treats like fritole (fried doughnuts) and buy handmade masks.
Tip: Get there early for the big events.
What is Venetian Carnival? Description
The Venice Carnival isn’t an event, it’s an experience that turns the city into a living stage. Imagine yourself strolling through narrow streets lined with costumed people, crossing bridges where musicians play love songs, and sipping prosecco at a waterside café while masked dancers dance nearby. It’s a sensory overload like no other.
What’s unique:
- Historical roots: the carnival goes back to the 11th century and was originally a pre-Lent celebration. Today it’s a mix of tradition and show.
- Masks and costumes: these are the symbols of mystery and freedom, so you can fully surrender to the fantasy.
- Canal life: Gondolas with lanterns and decorations add an extra layer of magic to Venice during the carnival.
Venice Carnival 2025: Visitor Tips
Want to make the most of your Venice Carnival 2025? Here’s what to remember:
Travel and accommodation:
- Book early: Hotels are booked up months in advance. Consider staying in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro for a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Getting around: Venice is best explored on foot or by vaporetto (water bus). Don’t drive—the city is car-free.
What to wear:
- Costumes: you don’t have to go all out, but even a simple mask will make you feel part of the party.
- Comfortable shoes: cobblestone streets and bridges require good shoes.
Food:
- Must-Try:
- Fritole: Traditional Venetian doughnuts.
- Sarde in Saor: Sweet-and-sour sardines.
- Cicchetti: Venetian tapas with local wine.
Bookings: If you want to eat at popular restaurants during peak carnival days, book in advance.
Safety:
- Crowds: Keep your belongings safe in crowded areas.
- Weather: February can be cold and wet, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Venice Carnival 2025: Last words
Venice Carnival 2025 is a event special, an journey into a fantasy world. Whether you’re here to see the costumes, dance at a masked ball or just to soak up the atmosphere, you’ll be hooked forever.
So get your mask, book your trip and let Venice enchant you. See you soon, traveller!